Call for a Safe Himachal Grows Stronger — People’s Organisations Raise a Unified Voice

Mandi, Himachal Pradesh — Himachal Pradesh, like the entire Himalayan region, is facing severe environmental challenges and a rapid rise in disasters. In response to this growing crisis, various people’s organisations from across the state gathered for a two-day meeting held on 15–16 November 2025 at the Literacy Bhawan in Mandi. The purpose of the meeting was to develop a strong and collective strategy for a safe Himachal, especially in the backdrop of climate change, increasing disasters and unscientific development policies.
Chandrakanta from Jagori Grameen said that the recent incidents of cloudbursts, landslides, and floods in Himachal are not natural disasters, but the result of governments pursuing an imbalanced and destructive development model.
Guman Singh from the Himalaya Niti Abhiyan stated, “Mega projects like the Bilaspur–Leh rail line and the Leh transmission line pose a serious threat to the Beas valley and the ecological stability of the entire state. The government must put an end to this violent model of development. Protecting the mountains and mountain communities is the government’s foremost responsibility.”
Speaking about the link between community resources and disaster impacts, Prakash Bhandari from Himdhara Environment Collective said, “If we want to protect our homes, farms and private property, we must first protect our community lands—forests, grasslands, rivers and streams. Disasters begin where community lands are disturbed and exploited.”
Senior activist Shyam Singh from Mandi emphasised, “No construction or project should be approved without the informed consent of local people and panchayats. Development carried out by sidelining communities only increases risk.”
Representing the Loktantrik Rashtranirman Abhiyan, Ashok Somal highlighted that 67% of Himachal’s land falls under forest area, due to which thousands of disaster-affected families displaced since 2023 are still awaiting permanent rehabilitation. He said, “The state government is unable to rehabilitate affected families because it does not have adequate non-forest land. Without necessary amendments to central forest laws, large-scale rehabilitation will remain impossible.”
Padma Shri Nek Ram Sharma stressed the need to adapt Himachal’s mountain economy—especially agriculture and horticulture—to the challenges of climate change.
He added, “Local communities must take the lead in managing community resources. Only then can our future be secure.”
This programme was jointly organised by several people’s organisations. These include:
Ekal Nari Shakti Sangathan, Land Acquisition Affected Forum, Himalaya Niti Abhiyan, Himlok Jagriti Manch, Himachal Gyaan-Vigyan Samiti, Himdhara Environment Group, Jibhi Valley Tourism Development Association, Loktantrik Rashtranirman Abhiyan, Mandi Saksharta Samiti, People for Himalaya Campaign, Pahari Mahila Adhikar Manch, Social-Economic Equality Campaign, Save Lahaul-Spiti, and Tower Line Affected Forum.
For more information, contact:
Ashok Somal: 9418515489
Ajay: 8219782422
Sumit: 9459021415