Kala Amb roads in dire condition, locals seek repair

Nahan, August 29

The roads in Kala Amb, an industrial hub in Sirmaur district that contributes crores of rupees to the government’s revenue, are in a deplorable state. The roads, which connect various industrial units in the area, have become nearly impassable, making not only driving, but also walking a challenging task. Many of these roads are in such poor condition that transporting raw materials to industries and finished goods to other places has become a herculean task.

One of the most affected roads is the one connecting Kali Mandir on the Nahan-Kala Amb NH-07 to the villages of Mainthapal and Jatanwala. This 2-km road connects about 18 industrial units and serves as a vital link for several villages. However, the road’s condition suggests that it hasn’t been repaired in years.

The road is littered with countless potholes and the water flowing through the middle has worsened its condition. According to reports, a tender worth Rs 2.88 crore has been approved for the road’s repair, but the work has not commenced for over a year, leaving both residents and industrialists frustrated.

Residents from Jatanwala and Mainthapal villages highlighted the grim condition of this road and warned that if the road was not repaired soon, they would be forced to take to the streets. Daily, accidents take place on this road and vehicles are being damaged beyond repair, they said. The residents have urged the authorities to take immediate action to fix the road, warning that failure to do so will lead to continued protests.

The residents have grown weary of lodging complaints with the Industry Department officials and political leaders, who have not yet to address their grievances.

The member secretary of Kala Amb Industry Department, Rachit Sharma, said the road repair and maintenance work, initiated by the Executive Agency Himachal Pradesh State Industrial Development Corporation Limited (HPSIDC) at a cost of Rs 2.8 crore, had commenced, with approximately 10 per cent of the payment already disbursed. A total of Rs 36 lakh has been spent on this project so far. However, the work had to be halted due to objections raised by some local landowners. The landowners have officially withdrawn their objections and the matter is being forwarded to the Director of the Industry Department for further action, he added.