Ensure smooth travel on Pandoh road: Himachal Pradesh High Court

Legal Correspondent

Shimla, August 16

The Himachal Pradesh High Court has directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and its contractor to make efforts to ensure that no untoward incidents takes place on the road stretch between Mandi and Pandoh on account of inclement weather or incessant rains. They have also been directed to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to see that rocks and boulders do not roll down the hills, causing harm to travellers or damage to property.

A Division Bench comprising Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Sushil Kukreja directed the District Magistrate and the SP of Mandi to ensure that adequate manpower is provided on this road stretch to prevent any further casualty, given the fact that in the past couple of days there had been incidents of boulders hitting vehicles, resulting in unfortunate casualties.

The court passed the order on a public interest litigation (PIL) filed on the issue of maintenance and completion of national highways and others state roads. The court listed the matter for further hearing on September 10.