Historic Move in Kullu: Scientific dredging launched to rein in Beas river flood hazards
Kullu launches first Scientific Dredging at Jia Sangam to tackle flood risk in Beas river
Shashi Bhushan Purohit
Kullu (Himachal Pradesh), May 29,2026: Marking a major step towards sustainable river management and flood risk reduction, scientific dredging work has officially commenced at Jia Sangam (Site No. III downstream) in Kullu district on May 28, 2026. The project represents the first operational tender under a newly approved framework for regulated riverbed management in Himachal Pradesh.
The initiative has been launched under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner Kullu Anurag Chander Sharma, who described the development as a significant milestone for both the district and the state. He said the project is aimed at scientific extraction of riverbed material while also strengthening river training systems and reducing pressure on vulnerable infrastructure along the Beas river.
According to the administration, all required statutory approvals, including permissions under the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980, were obtained prior to commencement. The HP State Forest Development Corporation is serving as the implementing agency, ensuring that the work is carried out in a regulated and monitored manner as per approved technical standards.
The Jia Sangam site is part of a broader pilot project covering three locations—Bhuntar Airport, Lanka Bekar, and Jia Sangam—where nine dredging sites have been identified. Around 1,25,000 metric tonnes of riverbed material is expected to be extracted before the monsoon season of 2026, supporting both river management and flood mitigation efforts.
Officials said approximately 8,333 metric tonnes of material will be removed from the Jia Sangam site alone, covering an area of 1.46 hectares.
The administration highlighted multiple expected benefits, including reduced flood vulnerability, protection of infrastructure such as roads and bridges, curbing illegal mining activities, regulated use of riverbed material, revenue generation for the state, and potential climate finance opportunities through watershed management initiatives.
The district administration has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all activities follow environmental safeguards and scientific principles while balancing ecological concerns with public safety and infrastructure protection.
The successful launch of the project is being seen as a foundational step towards developing a long-term, science-based river management framework in the region.