Safety hazard: Damaged footpath in Paddal raises concerns

The residents of Paddal Gurdwara Mohalla under Paddal ward of the Mandi Municipal Corporation have issued an urgent appeal to the Chief Minister, citing neglect by the civic body and demanding immediate repairs to a severely damaged footpath leading to NH-21.

In a written representation addressed to the Chief Minister, the local residents have expressed deep concern over the deteriorating condition of the pedestrian path, which they say has become a serious safety hazard. The path is used daily by commuters, schoolchildren and college students — particularly those attending the nearby Government Degree College and Girls’ Senior Secondary School.

Sunil Dutt Chandla, an area resident, said despite several complaints and follow-up reminders, the Municipal Corporation has failed to take any concrete action to address the issue. The broken pavement, coupled with poor drainage, reportedly worsens during the rainy season, leading to severe waterlogging and making it dangerous for both pedestrians and vehicles. The situation, he said, poses an ongoing risk of accidents and has already caused considerable inconvenience to the public.

Calling the inaction a case of gross negligence, the residents have urged the Chief Minister to personally intervene and direct the Deputy Commissioner and Municipal Corporation, Mandi, to conduct a thorough survey of the area and undertake immediate repair and maintenance work.

The complaint, signed by residents of Paddal Mohalla, includes photographic evidence of the deteriorated path and surrounding areas. Locals hope the state government will take swift action to address what they describe as a long-standing and dangerous civic issue.

Councillor of Paddal ward Somesh Upadhyay said necessary construction material has been procured by the MC authorities and soon, this pedestrian path will be maintained for the convenience of area residents. He said this issue was under my notice.