The Geological Survey of India’s conclusion of the study into the massive cave-in of the 150-m stretch of the Paonta Sahib-Shillai road (NH-707) on July 30 following heavy rain corroborates the findings of other experts in Himachal Pradesh over the past several years. Fingers have again been pointed at the rampant illegal quarrying for the cave-in. It is imperative that the GSI report leads to action rather than it being consigned to the back-burner, like most other reports cautioning the authorities against the dangers of over-exploitation of natural resources. Concrete steps must be taken to bring to book the powerful mining mafia. The negligible rate of conviction despite many complaints lodged by locals and activists against some accused only emboldens the perpetrators of this highly lucrative illegal trade that is pillaging the mountains and riverbeds. The miner-politician-official nexus enjoys immunity, cocking a snook at those daring to expose them. Every time the mafia manages to escape getting caught, it comes at a huge cost to the ecology.

Aggravating the problem are unscientific approaches and short-cuts adopted by various agencies undertaking the road-building jobs and other projects despite clearly defined rules aimed to protect the environment. In the Paonta road case, for example, the NHAI must be put in the dock for dumping debris in the nullahs on NH-707. It was a recipe for disaster and brooks no escaping from the law. These transgressions have cumulatively rendered the hills more prone to landslides. The common man is suffering the increasingly frequent disasters triggered by flashfloods and rain every monsoon. Causing immense loss of life and property (buildings, roads and bridges), they are sure indicators of the hilly slopes having been further weakened.

A sustainable and long-term plan to counter the risky activities regularly red-flagged is needed. Proper planning to avoid the burden of compensation doled out and the huge cost of rebuilding damaged infrastructure will be beneficial in the long run. Unless the hazardous activities are controlled, the already fragile ecosystem of the state will sink deeper into the critically vulnerable zone.