Border Labour Safety in focus: High Court orders Indian Army to ensure winter protection for BRO workers in Kinnaur’s hostile terrains
Photo used for indicative purpose only
Shimla, Dec 26,
In a significant intervention safeguarding frontline civilian workers maintaining border infrastructure, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has directed the Indian Army to immediately ensure adequate winter clothing, heating fuel and essential amenities for casual paid labourers (CPLs) engaged by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) under Project Deepak in Kinnaur district.
The directions were passed by Justice Ajay Mohan Goel on December 22 while hearing a petition highlighting the plight of thousands of workers deployed between Powari and Samdo — one of the coldest and most unforgiving stretches near the Indo-Tibet border.
‘Not a Luxury but a Necessity’
The Court noted that the work performed by these labourers is directly linked to national security since border road connectivity sustains Indian Army operations in isolated border outposts. It stressed that these workers must remain physically safe and fit to carry out their duties.
The Court held that winter jackets, woollen caps, gloves, gum boots, thermal trousers and raincoats must be ensured as basic protective necessities — not discretionary welfare measures.
During proceedings, the Officer Commanding, Powari informed the Court that 2,575 workers — unskilled, semi-skilled and skilled — are presently deployed and 2,292 have already received winter jackets, along with gum boots, woollen socks and caps. The remaining workers are expected to be covered shortly.
Recognising sub-zero conditions in the region, the Court further directed that kerosene oil supply for heating must be ensured on priority. Referring to a demand letter already raised by the civil commander on December 17, the Court warned that providing gear after winter passes would be meaningless.
The compliance status is to be submitted on January 7, 2026. The personal presence of the concerned officer has been dispensed with for the next hearing.
The case has once again spotlighted an increasing reliance on locally hired casual labour in Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur amid rising vacancies and stop-gap arrangements in Border infrastructure activities.
Workers under BRO’s Deepak Project recently mobilised through new trade unions affiliated to CITU and INTUC to push for improved working conditions. The present writ petition has been filed on behalf of the INTUC-affiliated union.
Noteworthy that India’s high-altitude border with Tibet is guarded by the ITBP, but maintaining motorable access up to remote forward locations falls on the BRO — a task that becomes treacherous during peak winter. Any lapse in safety measures puts civilian workers at grave risk while directly impacting defence preparedness.
With the High Court’s intervention, accountability for the safety of these workers has now been set firmly in motion — placing dignity, health and security at the forefront of border infrastructure policy.
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.