Shimla: Taking serious note of the large quantity of forest wood and logs found floating in the Pandoh Dam following recent cloudbursts and flash floods, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to probe the matter. According to an official spokesperson, the floating logs were swept down from the hills during last week’s heavy rainfall and cloudburst events, eventually accumulating in the Pandoh Dam. The government is committed to uncovering the root causes behind this unusual accumulation, and the CID inquiry will investigate any possible lapses or illegal activities that may have contributed to the situation.
The spokesperson emphasized that the government’s primary response during the natural calamity was to ensure the safety of citizens and provide immediate relief to flood-affected regions. Emergency measures have been initiated to restore normalcy across impacted areas. The incident gained public attention after videos and images of massive logs drifting down the river and collecting in the dam went viral on social media and news platforms. This sparked public concern and triggered calls for a formal investigation.
Criticizing the opposition’s response, the spokesperson stated that while the government was focused on rescue and relief efforts, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was more interested in politicizing the situation. “Instead of standing with the affected people, BJP leaders issued baseless and insensitive statements. During their tenure, no efforts were made to control illegal logging or investigate the activities of the so-called ‘Van Mafia’, which reportedly operated with impunity under their protection,” the spokesperson added.
The current government has committed to transforming Himachal Pradesh into a ‘Green Energy State’ by March 31, 2026. Any action or activity that hampers this mission will be dealt with strictly, in accordance with the law, the spokesperson affirmed.
