KULLU/MANDI: Public Works Department Minister Vikramaditya Singh has expressed deep concern over the role of mining activities in exacerbating the devastating floods that have wreaked havoc in the Kullu district.
Accompanied by Mandi Lok Sabha MP and Congress Chief Pratibha Singh, he emphasized the need to address the adverse effects of unrestricted mining, particularly in the Beas around Bhuntar and Gadsa and Parbati river basin during his visit to the hard-hit areas.
Singh pointed out that the magnitude of the floods has been compounded by the environmental degradation caused by mining operations.
The excessive excavation and extraction of minerals have disrupted the natural flow of rivers, making their beds more vulnerable to flooding as the boulders, which used to slow down the swift currents of water were extracted leaving the flood to have free swift flow.
This, combined with the heavy downpours experienced on July 9-10, has intensified the destructive power of the floods, resulting in widespread damage to infrastructure, homes, and livelihoods along the river banks.
He highlighted the connection between the mining mafia and the vulnerability of the riverbeds, holding them partly responsible for the extensive damages witnessed in these areas.
The minister stressed the urgency of addressing the environmental consequences of mining and implementing effective measures to mitigate its impact on the region.
He recognized the need for stricter regulations and enforcement to prevent further degradation of the river systems and to safeguard the communities residing along their banks.
In light of the grave situation, Singh assured the affected villagers that the government would take decisive action to address their grievances. He announced immediate relief the flood victims.
He pledged to prioritize the restoration of damaged infrastructure, including the Ghandal Bailey Bridge, which connects the capital city to various districts.
Vikramaditya Singh also expressed his commitment to completing the bridge within two days, ensuring that it would be accessible to all.
During his interactions with flood victims in Jiva, Bhutar, Patlikuhal, Sainj and other affected villages, Singh empathized with their plight and listened to their grievances.
He acknowledged their concerns regarding the delayed response from the district administration and disaster response teams, assuring them that their needs would be promptly attended to.
Singh also inspected the damage caused by the overflowing Sainj River in Banjar and Sanj. He emphasized the need for comprehensive measures to prevent future disasters.
Singh praised the swift response of the Public Works Department, particularly the patrol duty officers who restored the Patlikuhal Bridge in Manali within 18 hours restoring traffic towards the Left Bank to Manali.
The restoration work on Raison,Kalath-Bahang-Alu Ground on the right bank of the Beas is on as the road stretch has suffered massive damage. BRO has deployed its machinery from Manai side on the road.
They listened to flood victims' grievances and addressed them on the spot.
Singh prioritized restoring traffic flow and reopening critical roads, including the Manali to Raisin Road. He personally inspected the damage on the National Highway and ordered immediate restoration.
The minister also highlighted the upcoming construction of the Gandal Bailey Bridge, connecting the capital city to all districts, which would be completed within two days. Kullu bridge will be built shortly.
Singh also visited the flooded Thunag and shared the trauma of the victims and announced Rs one Lakh relief to the victims.
As road restoration work is on beyond Sainj, the villagers in Neoli, Gada Parli, Shuggar, and other affected areas rued nobody has visited them so far. Over a dozen houses were swept away, leaving residents in despair.
