Jai Ram meets disaster-hit families in Seraj, seeks immediate road restoration

Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur visited disaster-affected families in Dharbar Thach and Bagachanogi areas of Seraj Assembly constituency in Mandi district today. He interacted with local residents, listened to their grievances and assured all possible support to them.

Thakur expressed concern over the delay in road restoration and rehabilitation efforts in disaster-hit regions. He alleged that people were willing to rebuild roads with their own resources, but these efforts are being stalled under administrative pressure. He cited the example of the Pandav Shila to Dhaar road, which was washed away during recent natural calamities.

As per Thakur, local residents were voluntarily working to restore the route as it was also vital for retrieving the bodies of missing persons buried under debris. However, the work was allegedly stopped due to intervention by local authorities. Equipment was seized and a case was filed against a local panchayat head.

He stated that people are being forced to walk long distances. Even medical emergencies are becoming unmanageable. Thakur urged the state government to act with sensitivity and adhere to court directives for restoring the ambulance road from Pandav Shila to Dhaar, enabling affected families to perform last rites with dignity.

According to official sources, the matter of Pandav Shila-Dhaar road is being heard in HP High Court. Until the clear directive of HP High Court in this matter, it was difficult to take any decision regarding construction of this road project. The FIR was registered by the Forest Department on this road project, which prompted the authorities to confiscate the machinery engaged in construction work in the region.