Shimla, Apr 30,
The historic Hindustan-Tibet trade route, once a vital artery of commerce and culture, is now being dismantled in the name of development, allege villagers from Choura Panchayat in the border district of Kinnaur. The Jal Shakti department’s pipeline work is reportedly damaging large sections of the heritage path, triggering widespread local concern.
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“If the government cannot build new roads, it should at least preserve those of historical significance,” said a concerned resident, referring to the deteriorating condition of the old trade route.
Tikam Singh Negi, a retired BSF Commandant from Shilani village, shared the difficulties he faces returning to his home. “At this age, walking from the nearest road has become exhausting. I never imagined that after serving the Nation at the border, coming home would one day be this difficult,” he lamented.
Bhagwan Das, another resident of Shilani, said his home lies along the old Hindustan-Tibet Road, and the nearest motorable access is over an hour’s walk away. “Transporting cash crops has become unviable due to high manual transport costs. Sometimes, apples rot in the orchards because we can’t find laborers in time,” he said. According to him, a motorable road project was initiated in 2020, but political rivalry between contractors affiliated with the Congress and BJP has stalled the work indefinitely.
Meanwhile, the Choura Panchayat’s Gram Sabha has voiced strong opposition to the alleged destruction of the historic route during the laying of water pipelines. Local women leaders, including the president of Sundhi Mahila Mandal and Chandra Kala from Shilani, have demanded a vigilance inquiry into the substandard work and alleged misuse of funds. They called for urgent steps to curb corruption and improve accountability.
With road development hopes dashed time and again, many elderly villagers have resigned themselves to the reality of never witnessing a motorable connection to their homes. “While road networks now reach remote ridgelines in other regions, the very entry point to Kinnaur district remains neglected,” said a local resident.
The mounting voices from Choura Panchayat offer a scathing critique of current government planning and highlight the urgent need for balanced development that respects both history and the needs of the people.
