Himachal Pradesh Official Defends Forest Practices Amid Timber Controversy
Response to Timber Flow Claims
Accusations of Irresponsibility Addressed
Munish Sood
Mandi: Kehar Singh Khachi, the Vice-Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Forest Development Corporation, has strongly criticized Congress MLA Kuldeep Singh Rathore's recent comments regarding timber flow into the Pandoh Dam after heavy rains, labeling them as “irresponsible and unfounded.”
During a press conference in Mandi, Khachi, who is closely associated with prominent Congress figures Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, accused certain leaders of seeking media attention by making statements from “air-conditioned rooms” without verifying the actual situation on the ground.
In light of public concerns and viral footage showing significant amounts of wood floating into the Pandoh Dam following recent flash floods, Khachi staunchly defended both the government and the forest department. He clarified, “The timber seen in the dam is not due to illegal logging. It consists of old forest debris—branches, logs, and natural refuse—that has built up over many years and was swept away by the floodwaters.”
Khachi mentioned that he had personally visited the affected areas to evaluate the situation. “The locations from which this debris originated are so remote that the notion of illegal logging there is implausible,” he stated. “Natural processes like aging, decay, and storm damage regularly lead to wood falling and accumulating in forests. The recent floods simply dislodged this long-accumulated material into the river system.”
He emphasized that the forest department has not yet cleared anyone of wrongdoing, and a comprehensive investigation is ongoing. “We are recovering usable timber wherever feasible, while the remaining waste has been carried downstream. We are treating this matter with utmost seriousness and adhering to proper procedures,” he added. Khachi encouraged journalists to visit the affected regions before drawing conclusions, asserting that viral images and videos do not always convey the complete story.
Addressing Rathore’s comments directly, he remarked, “Leaders should refrain from discussing such sensitive issues without verifying the facts. I had access to initial reports while in Shimla, but I chose not to comment until I witnessed the situation firsthand. This is the responsibility expected of public representatives.”
Khachi also expressed concern over the growing trend of using social and mainstream media to spread unverified claims. “Media can rapidly influence public opinion, and that influence must be exercised with care and responsibility,” he stated.
The controversy arose from events on June 25, when heavy rainfall triggered multiple cloudbursts in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu and Kangra districts. The resulting flash floods caused rivers, including the Beas and Parvati, to overflow, carrying substantial amounts of wooden debris downstream into the Pandoh Dam, alarming residents and sparking speculation about widespread deforestation or illegal timber activities.
However, forest officials now assert that the debris primarily consists of decomposed or long-dead wood from natural forest cover, dislodged by the powerful rush of water. The state government, along with the forest department, continues to monitor the situation while rescue and rehabilitation efforts are underway in the flood-affected areas.