The Centre has issued new guidelines permitting scientifically planned river dredging in forest areas to reduce flood risks and restore river ecosystems. Qualifying activities will not be classified as non-forest purposes and will be exempt from forest clearance, compensatory afforestation and net present value (NPV) payments.
The guidelines, dated October 27, follow Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s request for a separate framework to remove debris, silt, stones and boulders accumulated in rivers after extreme rainfall and flash floods.
Under the new rules, dredging must be supported by a scientific assessment from a recognized national institute and an approved plan specifying the quantity of material, methodology, duration, disposal and monitoring arrangements. Proposals must also receive recommendations from the district disaster management authority and approval from the state disaster management authority.
The guidelines clarify that dredged material from forest land will be treated as forest produce and handled under applicable state forest laws. The exemptions will not apply to activities primarily intended for commercial mineral or riverbed material extraction.
Environmental experts have cautioned that dredging should not become a substitute for conservation measures. They stressed the need to prevent construction along river catchments and in ecologically sensitive hill areas to reduce flood risks.
