Chandra Mohan Sharma restores 30 rural roads at his own expense
Munish Sood
MANDI:
When incessant rainfall and landslides crippled life across Sarkaghat, cutting off dozens of link roads and leaving remote villages stranded, one man rose above official limitations to shoulder the responsibility of rebuilding.
Chandra Mohan Sharma, zila parishad member from Thauna Ward and a well-known philanthropist, emerged as the region’s “Bulldozer Son”, a title given by locals for his tireless relief work.
At a time when the administration was struggling to reopen damaged routes, Sharma personally financed the restoration of nearly 30 rural roads across the constituency. Deploying five JCB machines for nearly two months, he ensured that villages disconnected by heavy landslides regained access to hospitals, schools, and markets.
When government machinery stalled, one man acted
Dozens of roads in Gehra, Tikker, Pingla, Bhadrwad, Chhalog, Gahar, Gaunta, Samsouh, Bharnal and Khalard panchayats were reopened through Sharma’s private initiative.
Key routes such as Gehra-Kufru Dwarog, Janihaun-Damahir, Jalpa Mata Temple-Langas, Tikker-Sadoh and Durgapur-Kothi were restored, bringing immediate relief to thousands of residents who had been living in isolation.
“When no help arrived, we turned to Chandra Mohan Sharma,” said a villager. “Within hours, his JCBs were clearing our roads. He didn’t ask for anything — he just acted. Today, people proudly call him the Bulldozer Beta of Sarkaghat.”
Beyond borders: Humanity as a mission
Known for placing service above politics, Sharma has extended help far beyond his constituency. During the recent disaster in Seraj, the home constituency of former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, he sent relief materials and JCB machines at his own cost to reopen blocked roads and assist affected families.
His humanitarian work is not new. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sharma personally chartered a special flight to bring back stranded Indian workers from Saudi Arabia, and even arranged for the cremation of those who lost their lives abroad, ensuring that every soul received dignity in death.
From humble beginning to global Samaritan
A self-made entrepreneur with business interests spanning the United States to the Gulf, Sharma runs a chain of hotels and transport companies. Yet, he is known for donating nearly 80% of his earnings toward community welfare. Born into a modest family, he often says his inspiration came from his father’s guidance and the values of selfless service.
In a year when Himachal Pradesh witnessed one of its worst monsoon devastations, Chandra Mohan Sharma’s bulldozers did more than clear roads — they cleared despair. For thousands in Sarkaghat, his initiative became a reminder that leadership begins where red tape ends.
As Ritesh Chauhan, a local resident, summed it up, “When the hills collapsed, it wasn’t the government that came first but our Bulldozer Son.”
