Kala Amb Hillside Excavation: Joint Inspection and Geological Safety Assessment Requested

Following a field visit to the Kala Amb Industrial Area in District Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh, on 16 October 2026, we submitted a formal complaint to the concerned authorities on 17 October 2026, seeking an urgent joint inspection of ongoing hillside excavation. The representation highlights concerns about geological stability, environmental safeguards and public safety, supported by field photographs and historical Google Earth imagery.

Hillside Excavation Observed During Field Visit

During our field visit on 16 October 2026, we observed extensive mechanical excavation of a natural hillside adjoining an established industrial complex along Suketi Road in the Kala Amb Industrial Area.

The recorded GPS reference for the site is 30.497545° N, 77.223232° E.

An excavator was observed cutting into the hillside, leaving steep, exposed earth faces, substantial quantities of loose material and visibly disturbed terrain. The condition of the excavated area raised concerns about the stability of the exposed slopes and the possible consequences for the surrounding environment.

These concerns include potential soil erosion, disruption of natural drainage patterns, vegetation loss and risks to nearby industrial infrastructure and people working in the vicinity.

The observations require independent technical examination to establish the actual level of risk and whether adequate geological and environmental safeguards are in place.

Historical Satellite Imagery Indicates Progressive Hillside Alteration

To understand the changes at the site over time, we examined historical Google Earth imagery covering five dates:

• 16 November 2015
• 14 November 2017
• 4 December 2020
• 27 November 2022
• 1 June 2025

The earlier images show industrial development, access cuts and areas of exposed ground, while substantial vegetation remained across the southern hillside.

A comparison of the November 2022 and June 2025 images indicates a particularly significant expansion of the exposed hillside area below the industrial complex.

Historical comparison images:

Photographs recorded during the field visit on 16 October 2026 show the excavated ground, steep exposed faces and an excavator positioned against the hillside. The supporting evidence annexure also includes a representative frame from a video recorded during the visit.

Together, these records provide a visual account of changes at the site and the excavation activity reported during the field visit.

However, satellite imagery and photographs alone cannot establish the exact extent of excavation, land ownership, statutory permissions or geological stability. These matters require verification through official records and technical surveys.

Optional historical evidence gallery: kala-amb-google-earth-2015.jpg, kala-amb-google-earth-2017.jpg, kala-amb-google-earth-2020.jpg

Formal Complaint Submitted to Government Authorities

On 17 October 2026, we submitted a written representation to the concerned district and state authorities, requesting an urgent and impartial examination of the excavation activity.

The complaint seeks the following actions:

1. Joint inspection: Arrange an inspection involving the District Mining Officer, Geological Wing, Revenue Department, Town and Country Planning authorities, Forest Department and Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board, as applicable.
2. Verification of land records and permissions: Establish the ownership and khasra numbers of the affected land, identify the agency undertaking the excavation and verify the statutory permissions governing the activity.
3. Independent geological safety assessment: Examine slope stability, excavation depth, benching, drainage arrangements and the possible risk of landslides or slope failure.
4. Verification of excavated material: Determine the quantity and nature of the material removed, its destination and compliance with applicable transport permits, royalties and other regulatory requirements.
5. Precautionary safety measures: Where an immediate safety risk is identified, consider suspending excavation in the affected sections until an appropriate technical assessment is completed and necessary safeguards are implemented.
6. Written action taken report: Communicate the inspection findings and details of any action initiated by the concerned departments.

The representation is intended to establish the facts through official verification and ensure that any necessary corrective or precautionary measures are based on an objective technical assessment.

Documentary Evidence Submitted With the Complaint

The complaint identifies three supporting evidence annexures.

Annexure I contains annotated historical Google Earth imagery covering 2015 to 2025, together with photographic evidence highlighting the areas requiring official verification.

Annexure II is identified as a collection of GPS-tagged field photographs dated 16 October 2026.

Annexure III is identified as a video recording of the mechanical excavation activity observed on 16 October 2026.

The annotated photographic evidence highlights the exposed hillside, disturbed ground and proximity of the excavation area to industrial development.

These records are intended to assist the concerned authorities in locating and examining the site. They do not replace the need for land records, statutory documentation, field measurements or an independent geological assessment.

Seeking an Impartial Investigation and Environmental Safeguards

We recognise the importance of industrial development and employment generation in Himachal Pradesh. At the same time, such development must remain consistent with environmental protection, geological stability and public safety.

Our representation does not attribute responsibility to any particular industrial establishment without official verification. Its purpose is to establish whether the excavation activity complies with applicable laws, permissions and approved development plans.

The visible changes to the hillside and the reported continuation of excavation make a timely and scientific assessment necessary.

We have requested an acknowledgement of the complaint, a joint inspection and a written communication outlining the findings and action taken by the concerned authorities.

Through this representation, we seek an impartial assessment that supports responsible development while protecting the natural environment and the safety of people working in the surrounding area.