MANDI (Munish Sood)
A symbolic one-day strike was organised in Mandi city on Thursday under the banner of Pannalal Raksha Memorial Charitable Trust, with representatives from various organisations and residents participating.
The protest was held at Seri Chanani to oppose the proposed construction of an indoor stadium at the historic Paddal Ground and the recent relocation of the Skodi Chowk bus stop.
The protesters, led by Trust founder Rajesh Kapoor, raised two key demands: relocating the indoor stadium project to an alternative site and restoring the bus stop at Skodi Chowk.
Demands to preserve Paddal Ground
Speaking to the media, Rajesh Kapoor emphasised his support for the indoor stadium project but strongly opposed its construction on the Paddal Ground, a site of historical significance for the city.
He suggested that the stadium could be built at other suitable locations in Mandi, such as Tungl, where a larger and more modern facility could be developed without compromising heritage sites.
“Encroaching upon the historic Paddal Ground to create a concrete jungle is unacceptable. This site holds cultural and historical value for the city and must remain untouched,” Kapoor stated.
He further added that funds under the “Khelo India” initiative or alternative schemes could be utilised to build the stadium in a more suitable area.
Protest over Skodi Chowk bus stop relocation
The relocation of the Skodi Chowk bus stop also came under sharp criticism during the protest. Kapoor highlighted that the move has caused significant inconvenience to residents of the Tungl area and surrounding regions.
“The bus stop, which has been functional for years, was shifted under the guise of reducing traffic congestion. However, the new locations chosen for bus halts are accident-prone and face frequent traffic jams, defeating the purpose of the relocation,” Kapoor said.
Future Course of Action
Kapoor warned that if the administration and public representatives fail to address the concerns raised during this symbolic strike, a delegation will approach Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu in Shimla. The delegation will submit a memorandum to demand immediate action on these two pressing issues.
Residents from both Mandi city and the Tungl region actively participated in the strike, reflecting growing public dissatisfaction with the administration’s recent decisions.
The one-day protest underlined the importance of preserving Mandi’s heritage while addressing the city’s development needs in a balanced manner. Whether the administration heeds these demands remains to be seen, but the protest has certainly brought the issues to the forefront of public discourse.