Mandi: Khadihar residents oppose proposed waste dumping site

Mandi, July 28

The proposal to set up a garbage dumping site near Bhiachak village, within the Khadihar gram panchayat in Kullu district, has been unanimously opposed by local residents. The resolution was passed under the leadership of pradhan Neelam Sharma during a meeting held recently.

The residents expressed strong objections to the proposed site. They said the location earmarked for the dumping site was significant as it encompassed a crucial source of drinking water, which supplied it to various panchayats, including Mohal, Jarad Bhutti Colony, Balh-1, and Balh-2. This water source is vital for the local population and surrounding areas.

Memorandum submitted

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We have formally requested that the proposal be reconsidered. A memorandum has been submitted to Kullu Deputy Commissioner and Kullu MLA and Chief Parliamentary Secretary Sunder Singh Thakur. He assured us that he will look into the matter. We are hopeful that our concerns will be taken into account. — Neelam Sharma, Gram Panchayat Pradhan

“Moreover, the proposed site is situated near a firing range used by the SSB, ITBP, police and various armed forces, underscoring its strategic importance. The area is also a focal point for local tourism development efforts. Residents and visitors frequent the area for recreational activities, contributing to its significance as a community hub,” said Neelam Sharma.

“Another key concern is the environmental impact. The site is home to trout fish and several farmers rely on this water source for their livelihood. The area also features walnut trees and other valuable forest flora, including those found in the adjacent GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment and Sustainable Development at Mohal, Kullu. The potential damage to these resources, coupled with the ecological impact has fuelled opposition to the proposed dumping site,” said Shakti Singh, president of Fish Farmers Association, Kullu.

“In the light of these factors, we have requested that the proposal be reconsidered. A memorandum in this regard has been submitted to Kullu Deputy Commissioner and Kullu MLA and Chief Parliamentary Secretary Sunder Singh Thakur. He assured us that he will look into the matter. We are hopeful that our concerns will be taken into account and a more suitable location will be identified for the waste management facility,” said Neelam Sharma.