Sukhu Seeks Faster River Dredging Clearances to Protect Himachal from Flood Damage
With Himachal Pradesh facing recurring devastation from floods and flash floods, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday urged the Centre to simplify and expedite approvals for scientific river dredging, calling it a crucial step in reducing disaster risks and protecting lives and infrastructure.
During a meeting with Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav in New Delhi, the Chief Minister highlighted how extreme weather events leave behind massive deposits of debris, boulders, stones and sand in river channels. These deposits reduce the water-carrying capacity of rivers, increasing the threat of flooding to villages, roads, bridges, forests and other public assets.
Sukhu stressed that timely and scientifically planned dredging of vulnerable river stretches is essential to restore the natural flow of rivers and minimise future flood damage. He requested the Union Minister to issue clear operational guidelines, based on recommendations of the Forest Advisory Committee, so that dredging proposals can be reviewed and approved without unnecessary delays.
The Chief Minister also proposed a separate category for river dredging on the PARIVESH portal, arguing that post-flood dredging should not be treated in the same manner as conventional mining activities. He said the primary aim of such work is environmental restoration and disaster management rather than commercial extraction.
Another key demand raised by the state government was exemption from compensatory afforestation requirements for river dredging projects. Sukhu maintained that scientific dredging does not involve diversion of forest land for non-forest use and is carried out solely to improve river flow and reduce flood-related risks.
He further pointed out that floods often leave enormous quantities of debris and sediment in riverbeds, making it necessary to develop a clear framework for the safe utilisation and disposal of the extracted material. Such a mechanism, he said, would help ensure both environmental protection and effective river management.
Reiterating the state government’s commitment to environmental safeguards, Sukhu said dredging activities would only be undertaken after scientific assessments, replenishment studies and detailed planning. The quantity of material to be removed and the areas selected for dredging would be determined through scientific methods, with operations restricted to the non-monsoon season and carried out in compliance with environmental norms and safety standards.
The Chief Minister added that wherever required, dredging measures would be integrated into forest and river management plans. Any revenue generated from the regulated use of dredged material would be directed towards sustainable development programmes and forestry-related activities.
Responding positively, Union Minister Bhupender Yadav assured the Chief Minister that the Centre would frame clear and enabling guidelines for scientific dredging in Himachal Pradesh. He acknowledged the practical challenges faced by the hill state and assured that its concerns would receive due consideration while processing matters related to river management and disaster mitigation.
Yadav also pledged the Centre’s support for efforts aimed at reducing losses caused by floods and strengthening long-term disaster preparedness in the state.
Senior officials present during the meeting included Chief Secretary Kamlesh Kumar Pant, Principal Advisor to the Chief Minister Ram Subhag Singh, Principal Secretary (Finance) Devesh Kumar, Principal Secretary (Forests) M. Sudha Devi and Secretary to the Chief Minister Rakesh Kanwar.
