Himachal High Court Summons Kinnaur DC Over Delayed Clearing Of Local Rivulet

Shimla :  Taking a stern view of administrative inertia, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has summoned the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Kinnaur over the prolonged delay in clearing a blocked local rivulet that poses a catastrophic threat to Lippa village. The bench directed the top district official to appear in person and explain the lack of urgent protective measures.

The court's intervention follows a public interest litigation (PIL) highlighting the imminent danger faced by the residents of Lippa. Due to heavy rains and landslides, massive debris has accumulated in the local nullah (rivulet), creating a precarious artificial blockade. Locals fear that a sudden burst of this debris barrier could trigger a devastating flash flood, potentially washing away homes, agricultural land, and public infrastructure in the village below.

During the hearing, the petitioner argued that despite multiple representations submitted to the district administration over the past several months, no concrete action was taken to clear the channel. The court expressed deep displeasure over this bureaucratic delay, emphasizing that public safety and disaster mitigation cannot be put on the back burner.

The High Court observed that the administration's sluggish approach towards ecological hazards in fragile Himalayan terrains is unacceptable. The Kinnaur DC has been ordered to present a comprehensive status report on the restoration work and outline a time-bound roadmap for clearing the natural choke points. The bench warned of strict action if immediate remedial steps are not initiated to safeguard Lippa village before the next spell of heavy rainfall.