Unscientific road widening amid rain puts 8 houses at risk near Mandi on Manali-Jalandhar highway
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MANDI: Eight houses at Talyahar, near Mandi town, are facing an imminent threat due to ongoing cutting work for the widening of the Manali-Jalandhar National Highway. The affected residents have been living in a state of constant fear for the past month as landslides continue to endanger their homes.
The widening project, executed by Surya Company, was started right before the onset of the rainy season. Villagers, including retired Subedar Khem Singh Sen, Netra Singh, Hem Singh, Jagat Singh, Kashmir Singh, Kushmehad Singh and Bhuteshwari Devi, among others, have repeatedly requested the company to build retaining walls well in advance, but their pleas went unheard.
“We repeatedly asked Surya Company to complete the cutting and build retaining walls before the rains, but they started just before the rainy season began,” said an affected resident. “Even during the cutting, we urged them to avoid areas near our homes, but they ignored our requests.”
The lack of retaining walls has resulted in frequent landslides, posing a risk to the eight houses. In response, the affected families have appealed to the state government, Mandi district administration, and the construction company for immediate action. They demand the rapid construction of retaining walls to protect their homes from further damage.
The families have now been purchasing tarpaulins to cover the landslide-prone areas. They accuse the construction company of negligence and substandard work. “The company is not only being negligent in building retaining walls but also compromising on the quality of the construction,” said another resident.
When contacted, Mandi ADM Madan Kumar acknowledged the issue, stating that it is on the administration’s radar. “Mandi DC Apoorv Devgan has issued instructions for immediate action,” said Kumar.
“A meeting has been held with the project director, SDM and the construction company to address the situation urgently.”
The residents of Talyahar are now awaiting swift and decisive action from the authorities to mitigate the danger and ensure their safety. With the monsoon season in full swing, the urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. The affected families continue to live in a state of anxiety, hoping for a resolution that will secure their homes and lives.
