Fresh probe ordered into flash flood tragedy near Dharamsala

Dissatisfied with the initial magisterial probe into the recent flash floods near Dharamsala that claimed eight lives, Kangra District Magistrate Hemraj Bairwa has announced a fresh inquiry into the incident.

The tragedy occurred last week near a hydroelectric power project on the Manuni rivulet. The first probe, led by Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Mohit Rattan and comprising officials from multiple departments, was hindered by adverse weather and difficult terrain. The team failed to reach the critical ‘intake’ site of the project, where the labourers were reportedly swept away by the sudden surge in water.

“The SDM and his team could only make it halfway to the site. Since they couldn’t access the exact location of the incident, the findings are incomplete and hold limited value,” said DM Hemraj Bairwa.

Emphasising the need for a thorough investigation, he added, “We have lost eight precious lives, and the floods have also caused significant ecological damage. A detailed probe is necessary to understand what went wrong and to identify any lapses in planning or disaster management.”

The original inquiry team included officials from the Forest, Police, Jal Shakti, Mining, and Labour Departments, as well as the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board, Him Urja, and the District Disaster Management Authority. However, due to incessant rain and landslides, they were forced to return without reaching the site.

The fresh probe will aim to determine the exact cause of the flash floods, assess the damage, and identify any negligence or structural flaws that may have contributed to the disaster.

Himachal Tribune