Munish Sood
Mandi
A high-level review meeting was held in Mandi today to assess the ongoing construction of the Hamirpur–Mandi via Dharampur–Kotli National Highway-70 and to address grievances of people affected by the project.
The meeting reviewed the progress made since the last review held on November 17, 2025, and examined the action taken on earlier directions issued by the administration and concerned authorities.
The meeting was attended by Mandi Sadar MLA Anil Sharma, Dharampur MLA Chandra Shekhar, Deputy Commissioner Mandi Apoorv Devgan, Project Director of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) Romi Dhankhar, senior district administration officials, and representatives of various executing agencies including Public Works Department, Jal Shakti Department, and Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board.
During the meeting, MLA Anil Sharma raised concerns over waterlogging at several locations along the construction stretch. He also pointed out that retaining walls for certain houses are still pending, while access roads to some residences have been damaged and require urgent restoration before the monsoon season.
Dharampur MLA Chandra Shekhar highlighted multiple issues faced by residents due to the ongoing construction work. He said several drinking water supply schemes have been disrupted, drainage works remain incomplete at certain locations, and connectivity to houses, livestock shelters, and parking areas has been affected. He also noted that hand pumps in some areas have become non-functional due to construction activity.
He directed the concerned Sub-Divisional Magistrates to hold a joint meeting with MoRTH officials within one week to resolve pending issues, adding that he would personally attend the meeting to ensure timely redressal of grievances.
Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan instructed MoRTH officials and executing agencies to give top priority to resolving public grievances arising from the project. He emphasized that all issues raised in the meeting must be addressed in a time-bound manner and appreciated the coordinated efforts of all departments.
MoRTH Project Director Romi Dhankhar assured the administration that damaged hand pumps would be restored at the earliest. He further stated that construction of retaining walls, drainage systems, and access roads for affected households would be completed before the onset of the monsoon.
He also assured that waterlogging issues would be resolved promptly and electricity poles obstructing the construction work would be shifted in a phased manner.
The meeting concluded with a consensus that while the NH-70 project is vital for improving connectivity between Hamirpur and Mandi, equal priority must be given to minimizing inconvenience faced by local residents. Authorities reiterated that regular monitoring and follow-up meetings will be held to ensure timely resolution of all issues.
