Demonstration outside PWD office, heated exchange with XEN as traffic disruption affects daily life
Munish Sood
Mandi
A road cave-in near Kainchi Mod in Dharampur has triggered protests and a sharp political confrontation, with BJP leader Rajat Thakur leading a demonstration against the Public Works Department (PWD) and directly confronting officials over alleged negligence.
The protest was held outside the PWD Division Office in Dharampur, where BJP workers and local residents raised slogans demanding immediate restoration of the damaged road. The agitation was led by Rajat Thakur, a state BJP executive member and son of former minister Mahender Singh Thakur.
The issue arose after a portion of the Sarkaghat–Dharampur main road collapsed during excavation work for a crate wall being constructed alongside a private house near Kainchi Mod. The digging reportedly weakened the retaining structure supporting the road, leading to the cave-in. As a result, movement of heavy vehicles has been completely halted, while only light vehicles are able to pass, causing significant inconvenience.
Tensions escalated when Rajat Thakur, accompanied by local residents, entered the PWD office and engaged in a heated exchange with Executive Engineer (XEN) Anshuman Soni. He questioned the delay in response, asking why no concrete action had been taken despite the road being affected for two days, and whether any legal action had been initiated against those responsible.
According to officials, a complaint has been forwarded to the police and an alternative route has been opened to manage traffic. However, Thakur expressed dissatisfaction with the response and strongly criticized the department, calling the situation a result of administrative negligence.
Addressing the gathering, Thakur alleged that the condition of roads in the Dharampur constituency has been deteriorating लगातार and that the concerned department has failed to take timely action. He warned that if the road is not restored at the earliest, the BJP, along with local residents, will intensify the protest, including possible road blockades.
Local residents also voiced their concerns, stating that the disruption has severely affected daily life. School children, patients, and regular commuters are facing hardships due to restricted movement.
Meanwhile, PWD officials stated that restoration work has begun and efforts are underway to normalize the situation. However, with the opposition stepping up pressure, the incident has raised serious questions about accountability and infrastructure oversight in the region.
