Villagers seek early completion of Lipulekh Pass road

BD Kasniyal

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Pithoragarh, September 2

Villagers have demanded early completion of the 75-km road from Ghatiabagar to Lipulekh Pass on the China border in Dharchula subdivision of Pithoragarh. The work on the road has been resumed that was stopped during the monsoon. According to BRO sources, it is difficult to construct the 20-km stretch between Garbadhar and Lakhanpur onwards Chaudas valley.

“We have resumed the work of cutting the rock after the work was suspended during the monsoons keeping the safety of labourers in mind,” said a BRO officer. The construction of this strategically significant motor road began in 2003 and the construction agency had decided to complete the construction work within five years.

“The set time for the completion of the road proved wrong as the construction agency was not aware of the challenges it had to face in future,” said the BRO officer.

BRO sources said the construction agency had already finished construction work on the 30-km-long track between Garbiyang and Kalapani where jeeps were plying to facilitate Kailash Mansarowar pilgrims and residents of Vyans valley.

“The construction of this vital motor road is essential as people going to Vyans valley have to cross a steep terrain of 12 km at Bindrakoti,” said a Dharchula town resident.