Kullu, June 28 (UNI) The emergence of a large number of dry wooden logs during flash floods in Kullu district on June 25 has triggered concern among environmentalists and social activists, raising suspicion of possible illicit felling of trees in the region.

Videos circulating on social media showed wooden logs and debris being carried by the swollen Parvati and Beas rivers, with many of the logs later seen floating in Pandoh and Larji dams on June 26.

The visuals have reignited worries over deforestation and mismanagement in forested areas of the district. While uprooted trees, bushes and wooden logs are often washed down during monsoon-induced floods, the unusually high volume of timber has drawn sharp attention.



Similar footage had surfaced in August 2023 from Thunag in Mandi district during a flash flood, leading to heated debates in the media and the Himachal Assembly, especially as the area falls under the constituency of former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur.

Environmentalists argue that the pattern suggests more than just natural causes, especially given the repeated occurrence of such incidents. “This points to a systemic issue, possibly even organised illegal felling deep in the forests,” said a local activist, requesting anonymity.

Responding to the public outcry, Conservator of Forests, Kullu Circle, Sandeep Sharma, said, “We have formed three teams to investigate the matter, as the area falls under the Sainj, GHNP, and Parvati forest divisions.”

“Preliminary findings do not indicate illicit felling. The wood appears to have originated from uprooted, fallen, or decaying trees scattered across nearly 20,000 hectares of forested land,” he added.

However, Sharma confirmed that a detailed probe into the possibility of illegal logging is underway.

The incident has once again brought into focus the vulnerability of Himachal’s forest wealth to both natural and man-made threats during the monsoon season.

UNI ML ARN