Hill cutting, excavation banned during monsoon in Mandi

In view of the increasing risk due to heavy rainfall, Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan has issued an order banning hill cutting and excavation activities in Mandi district till August 31. The order, issued under Section 30(xviii) and Section 34(h) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, is aimed at safeguarding human life, public safety and critical infrastructure.

The decision comes amid multiple reports of landslides, slope failure and road blockages that have disrupted normal life and hampered relief and restoration efforts.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also issued a long range forecast predicting above-normal rainfall in Himachal Pradesh, particularly Mandi district, which could further worsen the already fragile conditions.

According to the order, all hill cutting and excavation activities related to private development, commercial construction or road widening are strictly prohibited. However, exceptions have been made for works directly associated with disaster prevention, mitigation and emergency response.

All executing agencies, including the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), PMIU, Sub Divisional Magistrates and Executive Magistrates, have been instructed to enforce the ban strictly. The violation of the order will attract legal action under Sections 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act.

The district administration has urged citizens and the agencies to cooperate in the interest of public safety and help reduce the vulnerability of the region during the ongoing monsoon season.