Mandi: Amid rising concerns over landslides, slope failures, and blocked roads caused by intense monsoon activity, the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Mandi, has imposed a blanket ban on all hill cutting, mining, and excavation activities across the district.

The directive, issued by District Magistrate Apoorv Devgan on July 2 under Sections 30(viii) and 34(h) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, will remain effective from July 3 to August 31, 2025.

The official order highlights the alarming increase in risk to human life, property, and vital infrastructure in Mandi due to the ongoing heavy rains. Multiple incidents of slope instability and road obstructions have been reported, severely hampering rescue and relief operations.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted above-normal rainfall for the season, further aggravating already fragile conditions.

“In the interest of public safety and to ensure smooth execution of disaster mitigation and emergency response operations, all hill cutting and excavation works related to private development, commercial construction, or road widening—except those directly linked to disaster mitigation—are strictly prohibited,” the order states.

The ban is aimed at preventing further slope destabilisation, which often results from reckless digging and cutting during the monsoon season. It will apply to all executing agencies, including the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the Public Works Department (PWD), and private contractors operating in Mandi district.

The District Magistrate has warned that violation of this order will be treated as a punishable offence under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. All Sub-Divisional Magistrates, Executive Magistrates, and designated officers have been empowered to take legal action under Sections 51 to 60 of the Act.

Copies of the order have been dispatched to key government departments, local bodies, and engineering agencies for strict compliance. The District Public Relations Officer (DPRO) has been directed to widely publicise the prohibition.

The move comes as a necessary step to reduce monsoon-related disasters and safeguard lives in one of Himachal Pradesh’s most vulnerable districts.