Who is Overseeing Muck Dumping Regulations in Himachal?
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Synopsis
Himachal Pradesh's Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena has delegated muck removal permissions to District Disaster Management Authorities, emphasizing the urgent need for suitable dumping sites in disaster-affected areas. This strategic move aims to enhance disaster response and management in the state, ensuring better coordination among various departments.
Key Takeaways
- Muck removal permissions now lie with District Disaster Management Authorities.
- Focus on disaster-affected districts like Mandi, Kullu, Chamba, and Shimla.
- Collaboration between departments is crucial for effective planning.
- Implementation of early warning systems for dam safety is prioritized.
- Significant financial projects aim to mitigate risks from landslides and forest fires.
Shimla, Sep 27 (NationPress) The Himachal Pradesh Chief Secretary, Prabodh Saxena, has empowered the District Disaster Management Authorities to approve muck removal, directing them to find suitable muck dumping locations, particularly in the districts most impacted by natural calamities in 2023 and 2025.
He stressed that Mandi, Kullu, Chamba, and Shimla should receive the highest priority. Furthermore, he urged the Public Works Department (PWD) Secretary to collaborate with other departments, including Forest, Jal Shakti, and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), to ensure comprehensive planning and execution.
From now on, the authority to permit muck removal has been transferred to the District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs), a function previously handled at the state level.
During the 26th meeting of the State Executive Committee (SEC), established under the Disaster Management Act of 2005, the Chief Secretary emphasized the necessity of reviewing and validating the action reports regarding directives from earlier meetings.
The committee also evaluated the implementation of early warning systems by the designated dam authorities, following the 2015 guidelines and the Dam Safety Act of 2021.
The Chief Secretary noted that the state has 30 major dams, with 25 completed and five still under construction.
The meeting also addressed the preliminary project report under the National Landslide Risk Mitigation Programme, amounting to Rs 139 crore, which will be presented to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
Additionally, the committee reviewed a preliminary project report regarding the mitigation scheme for Forest Fire Risk Management (MSFFRM) through the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF), valued at Rs 8.16 crore, seeking ex-post facto approval from the SEC.
The committee also contemplated ex-post facto approval for the utilization of SDRF/NDRF funds totaling Rs 78.76 lakh for the removal of 46,988 cubic meters of debris from public areas in Mandi district.
A proposal for creating a State Disaster Response Reserve (SDRR), modeled after the National Disaster Response Reserve (NDRR), was also discussed and approved at the meeting.
Point of View
The recent decisions made by Himachal Pradesh's Chief Secretary illustrate a proactive approach towards disaster management. Empowering local authorities to handle muck removal tasks enhances regional responsiveness and allows for tailored solutions to specific challenges faced by communities. Such measures are vital for improving resilience against natural disasters, reinforcing the importance of local governance in national disaster management strategies.
NationPress
27/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What authority was given to District Disaster Management Authorities?
District Disaster Management Authorities were given the power to grant permissions for muck removal.
Which districts are prioritized for muck dumping sites?
The districts prioritized include Mandi, Kullu, Chamba, and Shimla.
What is the significance of the State Executive Committee meeting?
The meeting focused on reviewing actions taken in response to previous directives and improving disaster management strategies.
What financial plans were discussed during the meeting?
Plans include a Rs 139 crore project for landslide risk mitigation and an Rs 8.16 crore project for forest fire risk management.
What is the State Disaster Response Reserve?
It is a proposed reserve aimed at improving disaster response capabilities, similar to the National Disaster Response Reserve.
