Himachal CM Meets Bhupender Yadav, Seeks Clear Guidelines for Scientific Dredging in Flood-Affected Rivers.
Sukhu says timely removal of flood debris is essential to restore river capacity and reduce risks to lives and infrastructure.
New Delhi:
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu met Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav in New Delhi and discussed the need for clear and enabling guidelines for scientific dredging in flood-affected river areas of the state.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister highlighted the growing challenge posed by the accumulation of debris, boulders, stones and sand in river channels following excessive rainfall, floods and flash floods. He said the deposition of large quantities of material reduces the water-carrying capacity of rivers and increases the risk of flooding to human settlements, roads, bridges, forests and other critical infrastructure.
Sukhu emphasised that scientific and time-bound dredging in vulnerable river stretches is essential as part of disaster risk reduction measures.
Demand for clear guidelines and faster approvals
The Chief Minister urged the Union Environment Ministry to issue clear guidelines based on the decisions and recommendations of the Forest Advisory Committee so that proposals related to river dredging can be processed and disposed of within a defined timeframe.
He also sought the creation of a separate category for river dredging on the PARIVESH portal, keeping such activities distinct from conventional mining.
Sukhu said the primary objective of post-flood dredging is not mining but the restoration of river channels by removing accumulated debris and obstructions, thereby improving the flow of water and reducing the risk of flooding.
Request for exemption from compensatory afforestation
The Chief Minister further requested that river dredging projects be exempted from the requirement of compensatory afforestation.
He argued that scientific dredging does not involve the diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes. Instead, such works are undertaken primarily to facilitate the smooth flow of rivers, restore their carrying capacity and reduce the risks posed by floods and other natural disasters.
Scientific assessment to guide dredging operations
Sukhu said the quantity of material deposited in river channels after major floods can be substantial, making it necessary to establish a clear mechanism for the safe, regulated and appropriate utilisation or disposal of material extracted during dredging.
He assured that the state government would undertake dredging strictly on the basis of scientific assessments, replenishment studies and detailed dredging plans.
The quantity of material to be removed and the area to be covered would be determined according to scientific parameters. The works would be carried out only during the non-monsoon period, while adhering to environmental norms and prescribed safety measures.
Dredging to be linked with river and forest management
The Chief Minister said that wherever required, dredging activities would be incorporated into relevant forest and river management plans to ensure a coordinated and sustainable approach to river management.
He also proposed that the net revenue generated through the regulated utilisation and disposal of dredged material be channelled towards sustainable development and forest-related activities.
Union Minister assures support to Himachal Pradesh
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav assured the Chief Minister that clear and enabling guidelines would be issued for scientific dredging in Himachal Pradesh with the objective of minimising losses caused by floods and other natural disasters.
Yadav said that while facilitating the necessary procedures, the practical requirements and interests of Himachal Pradesh would be duly considered.
He further assured that the state’s interests would receive due priority while examining matters related to dredging and that necessary support would be extended to strengthen effective river management and disaster risk reduction measures.
Senior officials attend meeting
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 were present during the meeting.
The discussions are expected to pave the way for a more structured framework for scientific river dredging in flood-prone areas of Himachal Pradesh, with a focus on reducing flood risks while ensuring environmental safeguards and sustainable management of river resources.
