Protest against violations, reckless excavation by NH construction form
The Himachal Kisan Sabha held a protest at Padchhu Bridge yesterday against the alleged negligence, environmental violations and labour exploitation by the company constructing Mandi-Jalandhar National Highway from Avahadevi to Sarkaghat-Dharampur-Mandi. The protest was led by former Zila Parishad member Bhupender Singh and Kisan Sabha leaders Rantaj and Dinesh Kaku, with support from dozens of local residents and activists.
The protesters accused the construction company of reckless excavation and abandoning the site midway, creating dangerous conditions for vehicles near Padchhu Bridge. Bhupender Singh pointed out that debris dumping is taking place indiscriminately, including unauthorised filling in the streambed near the bridge. This poses a risk of severe damage during monsoon, potentially affecting areas as far as Dharampur.
The protesters also alleged that blasting between Padchhu and Hukkal were carried out without proper permission, damaging over three dozen houses and half a dozen vehicles from Bhedi to Jodhan. In Longni village, debris was dumped near a primary school and rainwater harvesting check dam, endangering infrastructure and local farmland.
Furthermore, the company has been accused of mistreating labourers, especially local workers, by failing to provide timely wages and basic amenities. Protesters claimed that 30 workers from Himachal Pradesh were recently fired under police pressure after demanding their rights.
Other serious allegations include substandard construction of bridges and retaining walls, illegal mining around the company’s stone crusher and unauthorised dumping in Banala Panchayat, a known landslide-prone area and endangering the homes of over 20 families belonging to OBC and Scheduled Caste communities in Riyur village.
In response to the protest, SDM Sarkaghat Swati Dogra formed a 14-member inquiry committee led by Tehsildar Ramesh Kumar. The committee includes engineers from the National Highway Authority and local revenue officials, who have been directed to submit a report within a week.
The SDM has instructed the Project Director of Hamirpur to act on the Kisan Sabha’s demands and submit a report.
Bhupender Singh confirmed that the Kisan Sabha is collecting evidence to file an FIR and legal case against the company. A seven-member fact-finding team will visit all affected areas and families on April 20.
To escalate the issue further, a large-scale protest has been announced in Dharampur on April 28 if no concrete action is taken by then.
When tried, Project Director of this road project was not available for his comment.
Himachal Tribune