Himachal Bans Mining Till September as Rains Trigger Landslides and Floods
The Himachal Pradesh government has imposed a complete ban on all mining activities in the state until September, citing the ongoing monsoon season. Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan announced the decision on Thursday, stating that the government is fully prepared to tackle potential disasters and has issued instructions to all deputy commissioners with adequate funds for relief and rescue operations.
The ban comes as heavy rains continue to lash the state, causing widespread damage. In Shimla's Auckland area, a retaining wall collapsed, damaging five vehicles. Two parked vehicles slid downhill along with debris, crashing into three vehicles below. A similar incident occurred near Agarwal Dharamshala in Shimla, where a Municipal Corporation parking facility's retaining wall gave way, damaging six vehicles.
In Kinnaur district, flash floods in the Pager Khad near Lippa village submerged a 100-foot iron bridge, cutting off the village. Large quantities of mud, boulders, and debris posed a threat to nearby houses. BDC member Shashi Negi visited the area to assess the situation.
Traffic on the Kalka-Shimla National Highway near Kumarhatti in Solan district was disrupted by falling boulders and debris. Earthmovers were deployed to clear the highway. Project Director of NHAI, Anand Dhaiya, confirmed that two JCB machines removed the debris, and eight to nine JCB machines are on standby for the entire highway.
Sirmaur district also experienced continuous heavy rainfall, causing rivers and streams to swell. Waterlogging was reported in several localities in Paonta Sahib. As a precautionary measure, the district administration declared a holiday on July 10 for all schools, Anganwadi centres, and educational institutions in the Paonta Sahib subdivision. SDM Paonta Sahib Dwij Goyal stated that the decision was taken to ensure student safety.
The Shimla Met Office has issued a yellow alert for heavy rain at isolated places in the state until July 15. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and urge residents to stay vigilant.
