Una, February 23: A massive dredging operation will be carried out to remove silt and debris from the Humm Khad in the Haroli area of ??Una district. This operation, being undertaken on a war footing with the aim of completing it before the upcoming monsoon, is considered the largest dredging operation in the district to date.
Una Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal has directed officials to complete the work within the stipulated timeframe and in accordance with established standards. He stated that after the completion of the dredging, the risk of flooding in the Bathu-Bathri area will be significantly reduced, and industrial units will also receive relief.
It is noteworthy that this work was planned after the devastating floods of 2023, but could not be initiated due to the case being pending in court. Now, after the High Court's order and government permission, it is being implemented.
To ensure effective implementation of the work, the Deputy Commissioner has already formed a three-member action committee consisting of the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police, and Mining Officer.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Mahendra Pal Gurjar stated that, as directed by the Deputy Commissioner, the committee has taken prompt steps to ensure the work is carried out on a war footing. The winning bidding firm has been instructed to fully comply with the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and court orders and dredging regulations. The committee will ensure that the work is completed with transparency, quality, and environmental standards. To this end, teams from the Mining and Police departments will regularly monitor the work.
Mr. Gurjar stated that various necessary permits have been granted for the dredging operation. These include the deployment of approximately five excavators and 30 tippers, but all machines must be marked "Dredging - Humm Khad" to ensure their identification. Transportation and work operations have also been permitted to operate day and night to minimize traffic impact and ensure completion before the monsoon season.