HC orders faster debris clearance in Kinnaur, seeks fresh status report
Photo used for indicative purpose only
Shimla, July 29
Himachal Pradesh High Court has directed the Kinnaur district administration and the Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) to deploy two additional heavy machines at the debris-hit Lippa area to speed up restoration work and prevent further accumulation of water that continues to threaten houses and infrastructure.
Hearing a public interest litigation taken up suo motu, a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin C. Negi reviewed an affidavit filed by Kinnaur Deputy Commissioner Dr. Amit Kumar Sharma, who appeared in person before the court.
The affidavit stated that following the September 2025 debris-flow incident, several departments, including the Jal Shakti Department, HPPWD, HPPCL, Revenue authorities and the Gram Panchayat, jointly carried out emergency restoration work using heavy machinery to restore the affected area.
The court noted that a Geological Survey of India (GSI) assessment had recommended priority measures to prevent future debris accumulation and highlighted the vulnerability of the Pager Khad catchment due to unstable slopes and frequent landslides.
A proposal worth Rs 18.67 crore has also been prepared for dredging, river training, bank protection and allied works, with a detailed project report to be submitted before August 21 through the State Disaster Mitigation Fund portal.
The affidavit further informed the court that fresh debris flows on July 9 and 10 this year again endangered the bridge and nearby structures. Authorities have identified ten vulnerable households and put in place continuous monitoring, early warning and temporary evacuation arrangements.
Observing that many of the GSI’s recommendations had not been implemented before the current monsoon despite the availability of funds, the High Court impleaded the State Disaster Management Authority and the National Disaster Management Authority as additional respondents.
It directed the State to file a fresh status report by August 31, the next date of hearing.
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