Beas River Construction Sparks Environmental Warning

A Ludhiana-based environmental group, the Public Action Committee (PAC), has issued a legal notice to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), demanding an immediate halt to construction of reinforced cement concrete (RCC) retaining walls within the Beas riverbed. The construction, part of a Rs 468-crore project to protect the Kullu-Manali highway, is cited as a potential threat to the river's natural flow, increased erosion, and higher downstream flood risks.

The notice, sent on October 19, 2026, to NHAI, the Union road transport ministry, and the Union environment ministry, requests the suspension of work until statutory approvals and environmental safety measures are verified. PAC argues that construction within the active river channel could redirect currents, aggravate erosion, and disrupt sediment movement, impacting the river's flood-carrying capacity. They invoke the public trust doctrine and precautionary principle, emphasizing that public purpose does not exempt infrastructure projects from environmental laws.

PAC has sought disclosure of all statutory approvals, river flow data, and impact assessments. They also demand a joint site inspection and an independent technical assessment within seven days. The group warns of approaching the National Green Tribunal if satisfactory responses are not provided, seeking interim protection and restoration of the affected river area. NHAI's project aims to mitigate recurring flood damage to the strategically important highway, which has been affected by floods between 2023 and 2025.