Pathankot-Mandi stretch haunted by falling trees

The Pathankot-Mandi national highway, particularly the stretch between Maranda and the agriculture university in Palampur, has become a corridor of danger. Dozens of old, drooping trees hang precariously over the road, threatening commuters with the constant risk of collapse during rough weather.

A close call was reported this morning when a massive tree fell near the Army cantonment. Fortunately, no vehicle was passing at that moment, averting what could have been a major tragedy. Such escapes, however, are rare. Only last year, a youth lost his life after colliding with a hanging tree near Banuri. More recently, a couple riding a motorcycle narrowly survived when a tree crashed near the agriculture university.

Though the threat is well documented, action has been painfully slow. Meetings have been held between officials of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the Forest Department, the local administration and the Palampur Municipal Corporation. Yet, little progress has been made. Authorities managed to remove a handful of trees in residential pockets, but those directly overhanging the highway remain untouched.

An NHAI officer, when questioned, revealed that the proposal to remove such trees has been stuck with the state forest department. Without official clearance, the highway authority claims it cannot proceed. The deadlock between departments has left the public paying with lives and injuries.

The menace does not stop with trees. Illegal hoardings dot both sides of the highway in clear violation of safety norms, distracting drivers and further increasing the risk of accidents. Despite repeated complaints and public pressure, no concrete action has been taken against the offenders.

As bureaucratic tussles drag on, the Pathankot–Mandi highway continues to pose a grave danger — a tragedy waiting to happen.