Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has ordered a CID investigation into the large quantity of timber that accumulated at the Pandoh Dam in the aftermath of the recent flood triggered by a cloudburst on 24 June.
Officials said the sudden cloudburst caused significant damage and disruption across Mandi district and adjoining areas, with a particularly large volume of wood found deposited near the dam site.
Concerned about the source and legality of the timber, Chief Minister Sukhu directed state authorities to initiate a thorough inquiry.
The Chief Minister has specifically instructed investigators to determine whether the timber originated from the Forest Department or was brought in from elsewhere.
The state government is also continuing to assess the extent of damage caused by the natural calamity and its broader environmental implications.
In a separate development, the Chief Minister on Sunday urged the Central Government to consider opening a new route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Shipki-La in Himachal Pradesh.
In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sukhu highlighted the historical and cultural significance of the Shipki-La corridor, which was once part of the ancient Indo-Tibetan trade route and a vital link in the Buddhist pilgrimage network.
He emphasised that the Kinnaur region, being semi-arid and lying in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, is less affected by monsoon conditions and remains accessible for much of the year.
The route from Shipki-La to Gartok and onward to Darchen and Mansarovar in Tibet is also shorter, he said, making it a potentially viable and efficient corridor for pilgrims.
The Chief Minister pointed out that existing road infrastructure already connects Rampur and Pooh to Shipki-La, and with targeted development of base camps and essential facilities, the route could be smoothly incorporated into the existing Kailash Mansarovar Yatra framework.
Sukhu added that such an initiative would not only provide a long-term and dependable route for the pilgrimage but would also enhance cross-border cultural exchange.
He said the move would contribute to the socio-economic upliftment of the tribal communities in Kinnaur district and align with national goals under the Vibrant Villages Programme.
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