Ban on hill-cutting in Una till Sep 30 amid monsoon disaster risk

Una (HP), July 7 (PTI) The Una district administration on Tuesday imposed a complete ban on any hill-cutting for private development and construction activities till September 30 as a precautionary measure, given the continuous rainfall and the potential disaster risk during the monsoon season. The order in this regard was issued by District Magistrate and Chairman of the Una District Disaster Management Authority Jatin Lal, in view of the possibility of heavy rainfall in the coming days. Monsoon has been active in the district from June 30, and continuous heavy rainfall has caused damage in various areas. The district administration is engaged in relief, restoration, and the restoration of essential services, a statement issued here said. According to the order, unregulated hill-cutting and unplanned construction activities during the monsoon season can weaken the ground structure. This increases the risk of landslides, damage to buildings and other infrastructure and loss of life and property. The ban has been imposed to protect the district's sensitive ecosystem and infrastructure and to prevent potential disasters. Any type of hill-cutting for private development and construction activities will be prohibited until September 30, except for the reconstruction of roads and other essential infrastructure damaged by the disaster, the order said. The district magistrate directed all sub-divisional officers (civil) and executive magistrates to ensure strict compliance with the order. Violators will face legal action under Section 60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, he added. PTI COR BPL PRK