Jogindernagar panchayats demand fair alignment for Pathankot-Mandi highway

The Four-Lane Sangharsh Samiti, representing 35 panchayats of Jogindernagar subdivision, has decided to escalate its agitation against the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) for altering the alignment of the Pathankot-Mandi four-lane highway. At a mass gathering in Galu near Jogindernagar, hundreds of villagers voiced their opposition to the new alignment, which they claim bypasses key towns like Ahju, Chauntra, Jogindernagar and Urla.

The samiti leaders have urged Union Minister for Roads and Transport Nitin Gadkari to ensure the alignment benefits a larger population. They emphasised that the previously planned route would have directly served 2.5 lakh people across 39 panchayats, whereas the new alignment would only benefit ten panchayats. Additionally, the proposed route change would require the felling of over 5,000 trees and affect 1,000 hectares of reserved forest land, raising serious environmental concerns.

Brij Gopal Awasthi, a prominent leader of the samiti, criticised NHAI’s recent decision to bypass crucial towns such as Palampur, Baijnath and Chauntra, arguing that this move has led to widespread public resentment. He also questioned NHAI’s approach, pointing out that the agency had appointed a new consultant to prepare a detailed project report (DPR). Awasthi reminded the public that Union Minister Gadkari had previously assured residents that their concerns would be addressed and that the DPR would be revised accordingly.

The samiti has warned of intensified protests if their demands are not met. Residents from Jogindernagar, Chauntra, Gumma, Harabhag, and Urla have united in their demand for a fair highway alignment that balances development with environmental and social concerns. The samiti vowed to continue its struggle, reiterating that the final alignment should prioritise the larger population while safeguarding ecological balance.