Munish Sood
Mandi: Allegations of gross negligence and profit-driven decision-making in the execution of the Pathankot-Mandi four-lane highway project have sparked widespread concern in Bijni, Ward No. 1 of Mandi town. A four-storey residential building in the area had to be vacated after dangerously steep 90-degree hill cutting brought the slope alarmingly close to the structure, raising fears of collapse amid the ongoing monsoon season.
According to local residents, repeated requests were made to the construction agency overseeing the work, urging them to construct a retaining wall (locally known as a “danga”) to mitigate soil erosion and landslide risk. Despite these repeated appeals, no effective measures were reportedly taken.
“The hill cutting was carried out in a reckless manner, without adequate engineering safeguards. With each rainfall, the slope is moving closer to our home,” said one of the affected residents, whose family has now been displaced. “We tried contacting the site authorities for the last two days, but there has been no response.”
Locals further allege that the construction work prioritized rapid progress and cost-efficiency over safety protocols, potentially violating guidelines set by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), which require slope stabilization and protective infrastructure in hilly regions. The affected families say they are living under constant threat, especially as monsoon rains continue to intensify.
This is reportedly not an isolated incident. In other parts of Mandi and Kangra districts, similar complaints have been raised—ranging from structural damage to residential properties and environmental degradation to increased landslide vulnerability—due to unsafe excavation and construction practices.
As of now, the district administration has not issued a formal statement, but increasing public outcry and media attention may compel the authorities to initiate an inquiry into the matter. Meanwhile, families in Bijni Ward remain in distress, watching the unstable hillside edge inch closer to their homes with each passing day.
