Himachal: threatened to take action on highway alignment change

Himachal Pradesh: The four-lane Sanghash Samiti representing 35 panchayats of Jogindarnagar subdivision has intensified its movement against the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) to change the alignment of the Pathankot-Mandi Four-Len Highway. In a meeting at Galu near Jogindarnagar, members expressed concern over the boycott of major cities including Ahju, Chountra, Jogindernagar and Urala by the proposed route. The leaders asked the Union Minister to ensure the central roads and transport Nitin Gadkari to ensure that highway alignment benefits more residents. He urged NHAI to reconsider his plan, stating that the previous alignment would directly serve 2.5 lakh people in 39 panchayats. In contrast, the new route will benefit only 10 panchayats and require a fall of more than 5,000 trees in 1,000 hectares of reserved forest land.

Brij Gopal Awasthi, a prominent leader, revealed that NHAI recently appointed a new advisor to prepare a detailed project report (DPR). He criticized the prior decision to bypass important cities like Palampur, Bajnath and Chuntra, which led to widespread resentment. Awasthi reminded the media of assurance given by Gadkari during the last meeting to respect public sentiments and to revise the DPR accordingly. The committee warned that if their demands were not met, they would have resorted to direct action. Residents of Joginder Nagar, Chantra, Gumma, Harbha and Urla have united in demand for a fair alignment that balances development with environment and social concerns. The committee has vowed to continue its struggle, emphasizing that the alignment should fulfill most of the population by preserving the ecological balance.