Review Meeting Addresses Concerns Over NH-70 Construction in Mandi

High-Level Meeting Focuses on NH-70 Project Progress

Munish Sood
Mandi

A significant review meeting took place in Mandi today to evaluate the ongoing construction of the Hamirpur–Mandi National Highway-70 via Dharampur–Kotli and to address the concerns of residents impacted by the project.

The meeting assessed the advancements made since the previous review on November 17, 2025, and scrutinized the actions taken based on earlier directives from the administration and relevant authorities.

Attendees included Mandi Sadar MLA Anil Sharma, Dharampur MLA Chandra Shekhar, Deputy Commissioner Mandi Apoorv Devgan, Project Director from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) Romi Dhankhar, senior officials from the district administration, and representatives from various executing agencies such as the Public Works Department, Jal Shakti Department, and Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board.

During discussions, MLA Anil Sharma expressed concerns regarding waterlogging at various points along the construction route. He also noted that retaining walls for some homes remain incomplete, and access roads to certain residences have been damaged, necessitating urgent repairs before the monsoon season.

Dharampur MLA Chandra Shekhar raised additional issues faced by locals due to the construction activities. He mentioned that several drinking water supply schemes have been interrupted, drainage works are unfinished in some areas, and access to homes, livestock shelters, and parking spaces has been compromised. He also pointed out that hand pumps in certain regions have ceased functioning due to the ongoing work.

He instructed the relevant Sub-Divisional Magistrates to convene a joint meeting with MoRTH officials within a week to address outstanding issues, emphasizing his commitment to attend the meeting personally to ensure prompt resolution of grievances.

Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan urged MoRTH officials and executing agencies to prioritize addressing public grievances stemming from the project. He stressed that all concerns raised during the meeting should be resolved in a timely manner and commended the collaborative efforts of all departments.

MoRTH Project Director Romi Dhankhar assured the administration that damaged hand pumps would be repaired as soon as possible. He also confirmed that the construction of retaining walls, drainage systems, and access roads for affected households would be completed before the monsoon arrives.

Additionally, he promised that waterlogging issues would be swiftly addressed and that electricity poles hindering construction would be relocated gradually.

The meeting concluded with a shared understanding that while the NH-70 project is crucial for enhancing connectivity between Hamirpur and Mandi, it is equally important to minimize the disruptions faced by local residents. Authorities reiterated their commitment to regular monitoring and follow-up meetings to ensure all issues are resolved promptly.