Dharampur MLA continues fast over stuck NH work

Dharampur MLA Chander Shekhar’s indefinite fast in protest against inaction by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) over the long-delayed Atari-Leh National Highway-3 (NH-3) project entered its fifth day today.

The MLA is staging dharna at Avah Devi Chowk under the Dharampur subdivision in Mandi district. He is accompanied by hundreds of supporters. The protest, which has now intensified, is being closely watched by locals, health officials and political observers.

Chander Shekhar has made it clear that his protest is directed at the Centre and officials of MoRTH, accusing them of failure to act against the construction companies responsible for the project. He claims the road project — which passes through key areas including Hamirpur, Dharampur, Sarkaghat, Kotli and Mandi — has seen little to no progress in the past three years.

“This project has been lying stagnant for years and people continue to suffer. Despite raising the issue multiple times in the Assembly and even receiving assurances from the Chief Minister, there has been no visible action. The construction company is blatantly ignoring both state directives and public grievances,” Shekhar told mediapersons from the protest site.

The MLA accused the executing firm of carrying out irresponsible and unregulated excavation, which has led to the destruction of homes, cowsheds and essential infrastructure across 15 panchayats in his constituency. He stated that several families have been displaced, and access to education and healthcare has become nearly impossible due to impassable roads.

“Children are unable to reach schools. Patients can’t reach hospitals in an emergency. The roads have become death traps. This is not just about a project delay — this is about human lives,” he said.

He alleged collusion between MoRTH officials and the construction company, claiming that despite complaints and multiple warnings, no disciplinary action has been taken. “This is a failure of accountability. I will not end this hunger strike until there is decisive intervention from the Centre and a concrete roadmap for completing this highway is laid out,” he declared.

The indefinite protest has seen rising support from the public with residents from affected villages setting up temporary shelters near the protest site. Local leaders, activists and community members have also voiced their support, urging the government to act before the situation worsens.

Meanwhile, health authorities are closely monitoring Chander Shekhar’s condition.