Trees on NH-154 pose threat to commuters

Our Correspondent

Nurpur, June 21

The unplanned construction and widening of the 14-km stretch from Kandwal to Nurpur on the Pathankot-Mandi National Highway (NH-154) is posing a threat to commuters’ lives, especially those coming from outside the state. The NHAI did not bother about removing trees dotting in the middle of road and by the roadside before initiating the strengthening-cum-widening work.

As per information, the NHAI is spending Rs 31 crore on this construction work awarded to two government contractors. A number of trees on this stretch are either in the middle or by the roadside on the highway under construction.

These trees have caused a number of road mishaps and are proving to be a hurdle in the smooth movement of traffic. Even construction work on the NH stretch has also been affected. At Jassur, the trees and poles of HPSEBL on the road have become a major traffic bottleneck round the clock.

The trees are required to be marked by the Forest Department and later the Forest Corporation has to remove or fell the trees, but the NHAI initiated the road-widening work before getting these trees removed by the department concerned resulting in loss of precious lives due to road accidents on and off.

If these trees are felled after completion of the widening and strengthening work of the stretch it will damage the metalled road. Recently, Zila Parishad member Udhay Pathania submitted a memorandum to the local Sub-Divisional Magistrate demanding immediate removal of these trees.

Anil Sangrai, Executive Engineer, NHAI, Jogindernagar, when contacted told that the case for getting permission for felling trees from the Union Forest and Environment Department was under process. “The NHAI has prepared a tree felling file and submitted to the Kangra DC for further submission. Earlier, the NHAI had tried to direct felling permission as the land of the NH stretch pertains to the state Public Works Department but it was not granted,” he asserted.