Residents of Mandi Face Crisis Due to Highway Expansion Negligence

Highway Expansion Turns into a Nightmare

Munish Sood
MANDI: What was initially envisioned as a vital development project has devolved into a distressing situation for numerous families residing along the NH-3 Chandigarh-Manali four-lane route in Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh. Villagers claim that the ongoing expansion efforts by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and its contractors have been executed carelessly, resulting in cracked homes, devastated farmland, and a looming sense of disaster for the residents.

The severity of the situation is evident at Gopal Singh Sen's home, where significant fissures have emerged right outside his door. Locals highlight the lack of essential safety precautions, such as retaining walls, drainage systems, and proper slope management.

Rainwater Erosion Threatens Homes

As rainwater continues to erode the hillside, the ground beneath several houses is beginning to collapse, leaving families in a state of constant anxiety.

Nearby, the homes of Prakash and Dilip are experiencing similar destruction. Landslides have already commenced, and large cracks are visible in their structures. Even the local temple, where Prakash serves as a priest, has not escaped damage. Residents are apprehensive that the upcoming monsoon season could completely obliterate these homes.

On Friday (September 5, 2025), panchayat pradhan Jaya Devi visited the affected area to assess the damage. She recognized the gravity of the situation and promised the locals that their issues would be escalated to higher authorities.

Widespread Crisis Across Villages

The plight witnessed in Gopal Sen’s neighborhood is merely a snapshot of a broader issue. Along the NH-3, residents from Deodhar, Madhwaan, Bhadwaahan, Talyaar, Saigloo, Tungal, Bir Tungal, Paprahal, Chaloh, Kotli, and Sathole are all enduring the consequences of poorly planned highway construction.

In Talyaar and Kotli, the road itself is beginning to deteriorate, posing risks not only to drivers but also to families living near steep excavation sites. In Bir Tungal and surrounding areas, unchecked soil erosion has led to new landslides, isolating families and instilling fear.

In Deodhar, Madhwaan, and Bhadwaahan, villagers express frustration over ruined farmland and homes developing concerning cracks.

Throughout the region, a troubling pattern is evident: steep hillsides have been cut without adequate reinforcement, drainage has been neglected, and retaining walls are either incomplete or entirely absent. This has resulted in unstable slopes, collapsing buildings, and escalating human suffering.

Allegations of Criminal Negligence

Residents are labeling the situation as a case of criminal negligence. They assert that the NHAI and its contractors have treated the four-lane project as if it were on flat land, disregarding the delicate Himalayan ecosystem. The locals have put forth three demands:

Immediate implementation of safety measures, including the construction of retaining walls and drainage systems in vulnerable areas.

Just compensation for families whose homes and farmland have suffered damage.

Accountability for officials and contractors responsible for the unsafe construction practices.
They caution that if corrective actions are not taken, they will have no choice but to initiate a mass protest against the NHAI.
When approached for comment, NHAI Project Director Honey Thakur stated he was unaware of the developments and would provide the necessary information after visiting his office.