Rohtak traders move HC

Tribune News Service

Rohtak, January 24

Local traders have approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court against the elevated road project. As per the petitioners, the High Court has posted the matter for hearing on March 4.

The foundation stone for the project was laid by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar here on November 13 last year and work on it began in December. The 2-km elevated road is slated to be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 152.83 crore in two years.

The project is being opposed by residents and businessmen whose establishments are located along the stretch of the Delhi road where the elevated road is to be constructed.

The residents and owners of commercial establishments located on the said stretch between Ambedkar Chowk and the old bus stand are apprehensive that the project would adversely affect their day-to-day life and business and not serve any worthwhile purpose.

A group of local traders and Congress leaders, including former state Home Minister Subhash Batra and several leading medical practitioners, hoteliers and other professionals/businessmen, have now filed a writ petition in the High Court. Representatives of varous organisations of traders have maintained that they had conducted a survey and a vast majority of traders of the area in question had opposed the project.

Those opposing the project point out that it would not serve any purpose as heavy vehicles do not enter this part of the town nor would auto-rickshaw operators ply their vehicles on the elevated road.

On the other hand, local MLA and Haryana Minister of State for Cooperatives Manish Grover has asserted that the project would be beneficial to the residents and those opposing it owed allegiance to Opposition parties.