Ban on hill cutting, pvt construction in Sirmaur till Sept 30

Deputy Commissioner and Chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority, Sirmaur, Priyanka Verma has issued strict directions under Sections 33 and 34 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, prohibiting hill cutting and private development activities across the district.

According to the orders, only disaster mitigation measures, restoration of disaster-affected infrastructure and works related to essential public utilities such as drinking water, power supply and emergency services will be allowed. All forms of private construction involving hill excavation will remain suspended until September 30 this year.

The DC has instructed the Project Director of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, PIU Paonta Sahib, SDMs, Executive Magistrates and heads of all executing agencies to ensure strict compliance with the directions.

The order cites the recent spell of heavy rains that triggered widespread landslides and soil erosion in various parts of the district, causing extensive damage to both public and private infrastructure. To ensure maximum safety of human lives, residential structures, and vital infrastructure, the administration has deemed it necessary to halt hill cutting and other related activities until the given period. The order takes immediate effect, and any violation will attract legal action under the relevant provisions of law, the DC cautioned.