Dumping of waste in Kunah khud goes unchecked

Continuous and unchecked dumping of muck in Kunah khud, a significant rivulet in the district, has raised serious concerns among residents who depend on its water supply. The rivulet, which supports over 50 water supply schemes, is being allegedly polluted by the construction activities of a company working on the Shimla-Matour four-lane highway.

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Locals fear that the ongoing dumping could block the flow of the khud, especially during the monsoon season, when the rivulet floods heavily, often causing disasters. Ramesh Kumar, a resident of Nalti village, expressed frustration, stating that repeated complaints to the construction company have fallen on deaf ears. He warned that a blocked water flow would lead to severe water scarcity downstream in summer and exacerbate flooding risks during the monsoon.

Kunah khud originates from Awah Devi, located on the border of Hamirpur and Mandi districts, and merges with the Beas at Nadaun after covering about 50 km. With its vast catchment area, the rivulet is vital for drinking water and irrigation, making its preservation critical.

Jahangir Hassan, the project in-charge of Jandu Construction Company, admitted that the company is constructing a 17-km stretch of the highway between Cheel Bahal and Kohli villages. However, he refrained from commenting on the muck dumping issue. He stated that no specific dumping sites have been identified and claimed that all cutting material would be utilised for road construction. The project is expected to be completed by mid-2025.

Meanwhile, efforts to reach NHAI authorities for comments were unsuccessful, leaving locals worried about the inaction and its potentially disastrous consequences for their water supply and the environment.