Key Facts
Villagers from several panchayats in Mandi district, affected by the construction of a new four-lane highway between Narla and Mandi, held a meeting on Sunday at the Vaishno Mata Temple complex in Narla. They expressed anger over the lack of proper mention of public issues in the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and the absence of permanent solutions. The meeting was attended by newly elected representatives and local residents.
Details of the Meeting
The meeting was convened to discuss problems arising from the four-lane construction. Farmers prominently raised the issue of old irrigation channels (kuhls) in Narla, Kunnu, Mana, and Sahal areas, which have been damaged. They said that during the rainy season, the damaged kuhls have severely affected paddy transplantation.
Residents pointed out that while old towns had bus stops along the national highway, the construction company has not built rain shelters at chainage points 162 (Mohadhar), 163 (Kunnu), and 165 (Mana) on the new four-lane. Additionally, the crematorium (Mokshdham) and inn (Sarai) in Narla were demolished for the project, and despite funds being deposited in the government treasury, reconstruction has not started.
Impact on Villages
The meeting highlighted that irrigation kuhls in Narla, Jundhar, Kunnu, Lower Kunnu, Gadyara, and Mana villages were broken during construction but not rebuilt at zero point. Furthermore, old roads connecting villages like Narla, Salhana, Jundhar, Mohadhar, Sih, Bhathed, Lower Sahal, Gharopa, Mana, and Upper Mana along the four-lane have been closed.
Villagers also expressed anger over the closure of connectivity to Kunnu market from both sides at chainage number 163, causing hardship to locals and traders. Concerns were raised about the condition of the Vaishno Mata Temple bridge in Narla, where cracks have appeared on both sides due to land subsidence, posing a risk to the bridge.
What Readers Should Know
The affected villagers have decided to submit a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner of Mandi on 23 June, listing all their demands. Former Panchayat Samiti Vice President Param Dev urged affected people to gather in Mandi to support the demands. District Council member Champa Thakur and other villagers were present at the meeting.
FAQ
Why are villagers in Mandi protesting the four-lane construction?
Villagers are upset because irrigation channels (kuhls) were damaged, bus shelters were not built, old roads are blocked, and a bridge has developed cracks. They demand permanent solutions.
When will the villagers submit their memorandum?
The affected villagers will submit a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner of Mandi on 23 June 2026.
Which areas are most affected by the four-lane project?
Villages like Narla, Kunnu, Mana, Sahal, Jundhar, Gadyara, Mohadhar, Sih, Bhathed, Gharopa, and Salhana are facing issues due to the construction.
What specific demands are the villagers making?
They demand restoration of old irrigation kuhls, construction of rain shelters at chainage points 162, 163, and 165, rebuilding of demolished crematorium and inn, and reopening of closed roads connecting villages.
Source: www.amarujala.com