Manjhi Khad faces ecological threat amid reckless mining

Environmentalists and experts in Dharamsala have raised serious concerns over the unchecked removal of boulders from the Manjhi Khad riverbed—a practice they fear could lead to devastating consequences. For centuries, these naturally embedded stones have played a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of the river, but recent rampant mining activity has disrupted this fragile equilibrium.

In July 2021, the Manjhi Khad caused massive destruction after torrential rains led it to overflow and break its banks. Despite this, current channelisation efforts involve the removal of large boulders for construction of a crated protection wall. The stones, once firmly rooted in the riverbed, are being brutally broken down using heavy machinery, destroying the river’s natural structure.

This activity has been ongoing for the past two months, surprising many locals and passersby who recognize the ecological importance of these boulders. “We can’t even think of touching these stones, which play a vital role,” says Santosh, a resident living nearby.

The extracted stones are being used for a crate wall that locals fear won’t withstand even a medium-scale flood. Their concern stems from past experience—just three years ago, the Manjhi Khad swept away four houses and two shops in the Chaitru area.

Amrish Kumar Mahajan, a geo-scientist from Central University, warned that removing large stones from the center of the khad weakens its base. “During monsoon, these big stones help slow down the water’s velocity. Without them, the river can change course and cause severe destruction,” he explained. He compared the current situation to the tragic Kedarnath floods, where large-scale stone removal upstream contributed to the disaster.

According to Mahajan, when river water hits large embedded stones, its speed decreases, and surface splashes help dissipate energy. Without this natural resistance, water velocity will rise, increasing the risk of the river changing direction unpredictably—putting nearby settlements at risk.

Residents and experts alike are urging authorities to reconsider this reckless interference with nature. As Dharamsala braces for another monsoon season, the fear of history repeating itself looms large, highlighting the need for sustainable, scientifically backed river management.

Himachal Tribune