Senior HPSEB Engineer Suspended for Misconduct During Lahaul-Spiti Disaster

The matter came to light after Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kiran Bhadana issued a formal communication to the Chairman-cum-Managing Director of HPSEBL and the Additional Chief Secretary (Tribal Development), seeking disciplinary action against the officer. According to the official letter, Thakur remained on leave for more than 30 days without prior approval or intimation, a lapse deemed highly inappropriate given the emergency that unfolded in the district between August 25 and 28, when heavy rainfall and landslides triggered widespread disruption.

The district’s single-line administration system relies heavily on inter-departmental coordination during crises. The absence of a key officer responsible for maintaining critical power infrastructure reportedly hampered the disaster response.

Further, the DC alleged that even after the Manali-Koksar route via Rohtang Pass reopened on August 30, Thakur chose to resume duties from Manali rather than directly returning to Keylong, the district headquarters. When he finally arrived in Keylong on September 1, he allegedly failed to report to the DC.

The situation escalated when the officer reportedly refused to appear before the DC when summoned, leaving the office despite requests from the personal assistant. He is also accused of misbehaving with the DC in the presence of other officials and refusing to participate in any official meetings.

The DC’s letter described Thakur’s conduct as “unbecoming of a government officer,” citing deliberate defiance and lack of cooperation during an emergency. Following this, the Managing Director-cum-Disciplinary Authority of HPSEBL ordered his suspension with immediate effect under Rule 10(1) of the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965.