Complete ban imposed on Mountain cutting in Mandi district till August 31.

Shimla:

In a significant move aimed at safeguarding lives and infrastructure during the monsoon season, Apoorv Devgan, District Magistrate and Chairman of the District Disaster Management Authority, Mandi, has issued a comprehensive order prohibiting the cutting of mountains in the district until August 31, effective immediately.

This directive, issued under Sections 33 and 34 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, by the Additional Chief Secretary of Revenue and Disaster Management, Government of Himachal Pradesh, restricts all forms of mountain cutting for private development and construction activities. However, exceptions are made for essential disaster mitigation works and the reconstruction of buildings and roads affected by disasters.

The rationale behind the ban is to ensure the safety of human lives, protect village infrastructure from potential damage, preserve the fragile ecological balance of the district, and minimize risks associated with falling rocks during the rainy season.

Devgan emphasized strict adherence to these orders and directed all concerned parties, including agencies involved in road construction within Mandi District, Project Directors of NHAI and PMIU, and all Sub Divisional Officers and Executive Magistrates, to ensure full compliance.

Violation of these orders constitutes a punishable offence under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. The responsibility to initiate legal proceedings against violators falls on Sub-Divisional Magistrates, Executive Magistrates, and designated officers authorized by the SDM, under Section 60 of the Act. Any person found contravening this order will face prosecution under Sections 51-60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005.

This prohibition stands as a proactive measure to mitigate risks associated with monsoon-induced disasters and underscores the district administration’s commitment to public safety and environmental preservation.