Dharamsala flash flood: Magisterial probe begins; SDM to conduct inquiry at Manuni hydro project site

A magisterial inquiry has been initiated into the devastating flash flood incident near Dharamsala’s Manuni rivulet that claimed the lives of several labourers working at an under-construction hydroelectric power project.

Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Mohit Rattan has begun the probe, following the recovery of six bodies, so far.

At least 170 labourers, who had been trapped upstream near the project site, were rescued on the same day. One labourer was later found alive in a forest area, while fee others remain unaccounted for.

District Magistrate Hemraj Bairwa confirmed that multiple departments, including Forest, Police, Electricity Board, Jal Shakti Vibhag, Mining, Labour, Him Urja, and the District Disaster Management Authority, will assist the SDM in the investigation. He has asked the SDM-led panel to submit the inquiry report within 48 hours to his office so that further action could be initiated accordingly.

The SDM, along with officials from the relevant departments, will visit the project site on Saturday to conduct an on-the-spot assessment. The inquiry will focus on identifying the probable cause of the disaster, the extent of damage to life and property, and the vulnerabilities that may have contributed to the tragedy.

Meanwhile, all construction work at the hydro project site has been suspended by the management. The labourers have been relieved and asked to go back to their native places.

However, 20 workers have been retained temporarily to help clear landslide debris on the kutcha road, allowing the inquiry panel to access the site.

The district administration has given an immediate relief of Rs 25,000 each to the family members of deceased labourers for cremation of the bodies. Another ex-gratia grant of Rs 3.75 lakh each will be given to the family members.