Local Leaders Demand Action on Public Issues Ahead of Monsoon in Pandoh

Grassroots Representatives Raise Concerns at BBMB Meeting

Munish Sood
Mandi

Just one day after their swearing-in ceremony led by Himachal Pradesh's Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh, newly-elected representatives from the Pandoh area made their voices heard by forcefully addressing long-standing public concerns during a meeting with the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB).

During a pre-monsoon readiness meeting held by BBMB in Pandoh on Tuesday, local leaders expressed their frustration over the lack of senior BBMB officials' presence and questioned the effectiveness of annual discussions that, in their view, seldom lead to tangible results.

This meeting was particularly important as it represented one of the first unified actions taken by the newly-elected panchayat members, who emphasized the urgent need to tackle public safety and infrastructure issues before the monsoon rains arrive.

Among those raising concerns were Pandoh Panchayat Pradhan Hans Raj, Deputy Pradhan Rohit Kumar, Syog Panchayat Deputy Pradhan Fateh Ram, and BDC member Saurav Guleria. They brought attention to various unresolved matters, such as the lack of a protective retaining wall in the vulnerable Pandoh market area, insufficient street lighting, drinking water shortages in nearby regions, and the absence of disaster management resources for residents during heavy rainfall and natural disasters.

Fateh Ram, speaking at the meeting, noted that local communities have consistently highlighted these issues over the years, yet little progress has been made. He expressed frustration that meetings held before each monsoon season often conclude without any concrete outcomes and lamented the ongoing absence of senior officials during these discussions.

The representatives also called for temporary housing solutions for families impacted by disasters and requested a comprehensive safety strategy for the market and surrounding residential areas, which are at risk during the monsoon.

They urged BBMB to arrange a new meeting with senior officials promptly, emphasizing that local communities expect timely actions rather than mere promises. The representatives warned that ongoing neglect of public issues could lead to a broader public outcry.

In response to the concerns raised, BBMB Executive Engineer (Electrical and Mechanical Wing) Chandermohan assured attendees that all issues and requests would be communicated to higher authorities for review. He also provided an update on the initiatives being implemented by BBMB regarding water management and public awareness in preparation for the upcoming monsoon season.

As the monsoon season approaches and memories of past disasters linger, this meeting highlighted the increasing expectations from newly-elected local bodies as they embark on their terms, advocating for accountability, enhanced infrastructure, and improved disaster preparedness for communities surrounding one of the region's vital hydropower facilities.