DC inspected landslide affected Pathankot-Mandi NH blockage  32 miles

Dharamsala, August 11, 2023: Nowadays, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is currently undertaking the four-laning project on the Pathankot-Mandi highway. Unfortunately, this construction work has caused the closure of a section of the highway at 32 Mile for several hours each day, causing significant inconvenience to commuters and vehicles transporting patients. Particularly during the night, individuals traveling from Pathankot to Dharamsala, Kangra, Mandi, and other destinations are forced to either take a detour of over 40 kilometers through a narrow road or endure long waits until some vehicles can pass through the affected area.

Recognizing the severity of the situation, Deputy Commissioner Kangra, Dr. Nipun Jindal, visited the landslide-affected area near 32 Mile on the Pathankot-Mandi highway today. NHAI officials were also present during the inspection. The District Collector thoroughly examined the site and assessed the challenges faced by drivers. In response, he instructed NHAI officials to expedite the restoration work along the 32 Mile stretch. Additionally, he gathered information regarding the difficulties encountered by the employees involved in the road restoration efforts.

After inspection, the Deputy Commissioner said that due to heavy rains since last few days, the road is being repeatedly blocked due to continuous landslides near 32 mile on Pathankot-Mandi National Highway. He told that due to the work of the National Highway being in progress, more problems are coming here. He said that due to NH work, heavy rains and landslides, commuters and vehicles are facing more problems. He directed the department to use an appropriate number of necessary machinery to open the road, so that the speed of the work could be increased. He said that all possible help will be provided by the administration to NHAI for road restoration.

Dr. Nipun Jindal said that machinery mapping has been done for relief and rescue operations in the district during monsoon. He said that the administration has made complete preparations to deal with any kind of crisis in sensitive areas from the point of view of disaster. He appealed to the people not to make unnecessary journeys during the rainy season and avoid going to the banks of rivers and streams.