PWD office closure sparks outrage in Mandi’s Thalaut

Residents from the Bali Chowki and Drang areas staged a strong protest outside the Executive Engineer’s office of the Public Works Department (PWD) at Thalaut in Mandi district today. The protest was led by Kisan Sabha State Committee member Mahender Rana, former Congress Saraj Mandal president Tek Singh Chauhan and farmer leader Narpat Ram.

In their speeches, the leaders accused the Executive Engineer of neglecting his duties and misleading the government. They alleged, despite today being a working day, the office remained locked without any official notice. Employees were seen standing outside while the main office remained shut until at least 1 pm, when several delegations had come to meet the officer.

Protesters pointed out that most roads in the area are still blocked and construction work on buildings is incomplete. Some villagers reportedly walked over 40 km to reach the office, only to find it closed. They also alleged that instead of focusing on public works, the Executive Engineer is busy with personal matters.

After the protest, a formal complaint was submitted to the Station House Officer (SHO) of Aut, demanding action against the Executive Engineer for negligence of duty. The complaint emphasised that this is a government office, not a private entity, and urged the police to take strict action to ensure law and order.

The protest leaders warned that if their demands are not met soon, the movement will intensify, and a road blockade (chakka jam) will be organised. They held the administration and the government responsible for any consequences arising from continued inaction.

PWD Executive Engineer Vinod Sharma refuted the allegations of protesters and said that PWD Division has been shifted temporarily from Thalaut to Pandoh after state government order. So, majority of staff has been shifted at Pandoh. At Thalaut, the PWD Division office was running in a private building. As soon as land will be available at Thalaut, the office building of PWD Division will be constructed at Thalaut and PWD Division office will be shifted from Pandoh to Thalaut without any delay.