CID Probe Ordered into Timber Accumulation at Pandoh Dam; CM Sukhu Takes Strict View

Shimla, July 7:
Taking serious note of the large-scale accumulation of timber in the Pandoh Dam following a recent cloudburst, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has ordered a Criminal Investigation Department (CID) probe into the matter. The incident occurred last week when torrential rains and a cloudburst in the surrounding hills swept a massive quantity of timber into the dam.

A government spokesperson said the investigation will aim to uncover the underlying causes behind such an unusual accumulation. The state government has decided to hand over the matter to the CID to ensure accountability and bring any responsible parties to justice.

The spokesperson further stated that in the aftermath of the cloudburst and flash floods, the government’s immediate priority has been to save lives and provide urgent relief and rescue operations. Efforts are also being made to restore normalcy in the affected areas as quickly as possible.

Images and videos of timber floating in the river and piling up in the Pandoh Dam have been widely circulated on social media, raising public concern and prompting repeated demands for a thorough investigation. Responding to this, the Chief Minister directed the CID to initiate a formal probe.

The spokesperson also criticized the opposition for politicizing a sensitive issue. “Even during this humanitarian crisis, BJP leaders have shown insensitivity by making irresponsible remarks, revealing their double standards,” he said.

He added that the previous BJP government never ordered an impartial inquiry into illegal logging during its tenure. No accountability was fixed in cases of illicit deforestation, which allowed the forest mafia to thrive. In contrast, the current government is committed to establishing Himachal Pradesh as a Green Energy State by March 31, 2026. Anyone attempting to derail this goal will face strict legal action.