Key Facts
On Sunday, residents of 39 panchayats from Jogindernagar and Padhar subdivisions in Mandi district staged a protest at Galu Mela Maidan against the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) for failing to commence four-lane construction on the Ghata-Padhar section of the Mandi-Pathankot National Highway. The protesters warned of legal action if the work is not started as per the Detailed Project Report (DPR) prepared in 2016-17.
Details of the Protest
The demonstration, led by the Fourlane Sangharsh Samiti, saw participation from hundreds of villagers who shouted slogans against NHAI. The protest lasted from 11 am to 1 pm. Brij Gopal Awasthi, president of the Samiti, stated that instead of implementing the old DPR, NHAI is preparing a new one, which could adversely affect thousands of people. Under the original plan, the four-lane was proposed from Ghata to Aihju, Chauntra, Jogindernagar Baipas, Shanan, Harabag, Gumma, and Ghatasani.
Impact on Local Communities
The delay has caused widespread frustration among residents. Retired PWD officer Uttam Singh and former Naib Tehsildar Shard Singh warned that if the alignment is changed, the Samiti will approach the court. Mukesh, pradhan of Hargunain panchayat, noted that despite the road coming under NHAI in 2018, work on this strategically important route has been repeatedly postponed. The widening from Narla to Bijni has been completed, but the 37-year-old Ghata-Padhar road remains stuck in alignment disputes.
What Readers Should Know
- The protest involved 39 panchayats including Kandhar, Jilhan, Dalah, Lapas, Urla, Taswan, Kalehad, Silhabudhani, Ropa, Kathau, Ropa Padhar, Badheri, Hargunain, Jimjima, Dohag, Yora, Aihju, Badehad, Galu, Dhelu, Matru, Tikri Mushaira, and Pasal.
- The four-lane project is critical for improving connectivity and boosting economic development in the region.
- Residents have given an ultimatum: if work does not begin soon as per the 2016-17 DPR, they will file a petition in the Himachal Pradesh High Court.
FAQ
Why are residents protesting in Mandi?
Residents of 39 panchayats are protesting because NHAI has not started four-lane construction on the Ghata-Padhar stretch of the Mandi-Pathankot highway, despite a DPR prepared in 2016-17.
What is the demand of the protesters?
They demand that the four-lane work be initiated as per the 2016-17 DPR, and warn of approaching the High Court if the alignment is changed.
Which areas are affected by the delay?
The delay affects 39 panchayats including Kandhar, Jilhan, Dalah, Lapas, Urla, Taswan, Kalehad, and others in Jogindernagar and Padhar subdivisions.