Shimla, May 6,
The Joint Four Lane Sangharsh Samiti (JFLSS) has strongly criticized the National Highway Authority and project officials of the Nalokha-Dadour 4-lane project (part of the Kiratpur-Nerchowk stretch) for failing to implement a Himachal Pradesh High Court decision passed over a decade ago.
Take Free HimachalScape Subscription Complete this form
Choose Your Membership
On March 9, 2015 division bench of Justice Rajiv Sharma and Justice Tarlok Chauhan passed a one page oral order “Precise case of the petitioner is that width of the road should be 45 meters and in the alternative it should be provided with service lanes. Appearing for the respondent NHAilI Ms. Jyotsna Rewal Dua, had submitted in reply that respondents No. 2 an 3 are ready and willing to provide service lanes of suitable width.”
In a press release issued here today JFLSS President Joginder Walia said that submitted a formal demand letter to Deputy Project Officer A.K. Jha, urging immediate compliance with the High Court’s directive.
The delegation pointed out that despite the passage of ten years, the evaluation and compensation process for houses and land falling under the proposed service lane alignment remains incomplete.
“The delay in acquisition and award declaration is stalling the construction of service lanes, causing serious inconvenience to local residents,” the memorandum noted.
The Samiti demanded immediate marking, evaluation, and award declaration of affected land and houses. It also sought installation of permanent towers on the remaining land and called for construction of footpaths in Nalokha, Trot, and Bhaur. Additionally, the delegation demanded construction of bus stands in Dadour-Bhaur, Kaned (near the school), and Bhaur.
The memorandum raised serious concerns over frequent road accidents caused by stray animals on the highway and urged authorities to address the issue promptly. It also sought early commencement of the vehicle underpass at Dadour Chowk and proper linking of rural roads. Other demands included safe pedestrian crossings every 500 meters, relaxation in TCP rules, and rehabilitation of affected public utilities like three wells, eleven hand pumps, and the community toilet at Kaned.
Citing provisions under the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, the Samiti reiterated its demand for fourfold compensation along the entire stretch from Nalokha to Dadour and 12 per cent interest in Kaned and Bhaur, along with fair compensation to local shopkeepers.
Deputy Project Officer A.K. Jha assured the delegation that necessary work would begin by May 20. Failing that, the JFLSS has warned of a gherao of the National Highway office.
