Precarious trees pose deadly risk on Pathankot-Mandi road

Dozens of hanging trees along the Pathankot-Mandi National Highway, between Maranda and the Agriculture University, pose a serious risk to commuters, especially in inclement weather. These trees, precariously hanging over the road, have already led to multiple accidents and near-misses.

During the last rainy season, travellers narrowly escaped disaster when a tree fell near a clinic at midnight. More recently, a young man lost his life after his bike crashed into a hanging tree on the highway. Several such accidents have occurred due to trees drooping dangerously onto the road, yet the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has taken no action.

A senior NHAI official shifted the blame to the Forest Department and the Municipal Corporation, stating that the proposal for removing hazardous trees has been pending with state authorities for over a year. Without clearances from the Forest Department, the Palampur SDM, and Palampur MC, NHAI cannot proceed with tree removal.

The lack of coordination among the NHAI, Forest Department, SDM office, Municipal Corporation, and local administration has put lives at risk. It appears that authorities are waiting for a tragedy similar to last week’s incident in Manikaran (Kullu), where six people lost their lives after a tree fell on parked vehicles.

Adding to the danger, illegal hoardings along the highway are also contributing to accidents. Despite repeated public outcry, no steps have been taken to remove these unauthorised billboards, which violate safety regulations. Authorities must act immediately to remove these hazards before more lives are lost.