NEWS

Neglect of NH 305 sparks joint struggle front in Saraj: Locals demand immediate action


A critical meeting of the National Highway 305 Joint Struggle Front, Saraj was held at the Panchayat Committee Conference Hall in Banjar, presided over by Mr. Varyam Singh Negi, Retired Dean of Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi. Representatives from 25 different social organizations gathered to voice their concerns over the dire state of National Highway 305 (NH 305), a key route connecting Luhri and Aut, which has been severely neglected for the past 12 years.

NH 305: A Critical Route in Disrepair

National Highway 305, spanning 97 kilometers, has been in a state of disrepair since 2012. However, the most concerning section is the 41-kilometer stretch between Aut and Jalori Pass, where the road condition has deteriorated to such an extent that traffic disruptions lasting 2 to 4 hours have become a common occurrence. These disruptions are not only a significant inconvenience to local residents but also pose challenges for tourists, government officials, critically ill patients, and school children.

During the meeting, it was revealed that the poor state of NH 305 has caused numerous accidents over the years, resulting in the tragic deaths of 130 people, most of whom were tourists, while more than 250 others have been injured, some permanently disabled.

Economic Fallout from Neglect

The poor condition of NH 305 is not only a safety concern but has also had a severe economic impact on the Banjar and Walichowki regions. The area, known for its tourism, agriculture, and orchard farming, has seen a significant decline in business, with local entrepreneurs and farmers suffering heavy losses each year.

Collective Call to Action

Faced with continued inaction from the government, the National Highway 305 Joint Struggle Front, Saraj was formed. The organization is pressing for the immediate double-laning of NH 305 and the construction of the much-delayed Jalori Pass Tunnel. Despite multiple surveys and hefty budget allocations, no real progress has been made on the ground.

The committee members also pointed out that while the BJP-led central government has been in power for over 10 years, no substantial work has been done to improve NH 305 since its inception. The group expressed frustration that the Jalori Pass Tunnel remains a paper project, despite numerous assurances and budget allocations.

Key Resolutions from the Meeting

Several important resolutions were passed during the meeting. The key demands include:

  1. Approval of Road Tarring Projects: The committee demanded the immediate approval of two road-tarring estimates sent to the Ministry in Delhi:

₹6.41 crores for the stretch from Ghiyagi to Banjar

₹8.62 crores for Banjar to Aut

  1. Expediting DPR and Tunnel Construction: The committee urged the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to expedite the preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Jalori Pass Tunnel and double-laning of NH 305. They emphasized the need for the tunnel’s revised DPR to be approved by December 2024.
  2. Maintenance Work on the Jalori-Ghiyagi Stretch: The maintenance tenders for the Jalori Pass to Ghiyagi section, worth ₹27 crores under the PBMC scheme, should be evaluated swiftly to allow timely execution.

Next Steps: A Warning of Protests

The National Highway 305 Joint Struggle Front, Saraj has resolved to send these demands to key officials, including Himachal Pradesh’s Chief Minister, the state’s Public Works Minister, and local MPs and MLAs. The organization also plans to forward these demands to Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari.

However, the group has issued a stern warning: if no tangible action is taken on these demands within three months, they will be forced to take more drastic measures. This includes organizing a blockade along the Aut to Jalori Pass stretch of NH 305, with the participation of locals, public representatives, and members of the affected 25 social organizations.

A Call for Immediate Action

The long-standing neglect of NH 305 has pushed the people of Banjar and Walichowki to the edge. The Joint Struggle Front has made it clear that the time for promises is over, and only concrete action will suffice. As the deadline looms, all eyes are now on the government to see if it will act in time to prevent further hardship for the region’s residents and travelers alike.

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