KANGRA
In Dharamsala, environmentalists and specialists have expressed grave worries about the unregulated removal of stones from the Manjhi Khad riverbed, a practice they believe might have disastrous results. These naturally occurring stones have been essential to preserving the river’s biological balance for generations, but recent avalanche mining operations have upset this delicate balance.
The Manjhi Khad overflowed and broke its banks in July 2021 due to heavy rainfall, causing extensive damage. Nevertheless, in order to build a crated protective wall, big boulders must be removed as part of the ongoing channelization works. The river’s natural structure is being destroyed as the stones, which were formerly solidly anchored in the riverbed, are being cruelly torn down by heavy gear.
Many residents and onlookers who understand the ecological significance of these rocks have been surprised by this action, which has been going on for the past two months. According to local Vikram, “We can’t even consider touching these stones, which play a vital role.”
The villagers worry that the crate wall being built with the excavated stones won’t be able to survive even a moderate flood. Their apprehension originates from prior experiences—three years ago, the Manjhi Khad destroyed two stores and four homes in the Chaitru neighborhood.
Central University geoscientist Amrish Kumar Mahajan cautioned that removing big stones from the khad’s core damages its basis. These large stones aid in reducing the speed of the water during the monsoon. Without them, the river may veer off course and wreak havoc,” he said. He likened the current state of affairs to the devastating floods in Kedarnath, when extensive upstream stone removal had a role in the catastrophe.
Mahajan claims that the speed of river water drops as it encounters huge imbedded stones, and surface splashes aid in the dissipation of energy. Water velocity will increase in the absence of this natural barrier, raising the possibility that the river would change its course unexpectedly and endanger the neighboring communities.
Authorities are being urged by both locals and professionals to reevaluate this careless meddling with nature. The threat of history repeating itself is quite real as Dharamsala prepares for another monsoon season, underscoring the necessity of sustainable river management supported by science.
