The Himachal Pradesh High Court has taken serious note of the deteriorating condition of the Dhalli-Narkanda road stretch in Shimla district and summoned the engineer-in-chief of the Public Works Department (PWD) and the chief engineer of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to present a concrete repair plan.
Court Directs Officials to Appear in Person
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin Chander Negi directed the officials to appear in person and explain when the road would be restored, especially with the approaching tourist season. The court noted that tourism is a key revenue source for the hill state and questioned whether the government intended to present a positive image to visitors.
Scope of PIL Expanded
Expanding the scope of the ongoing public interest litigation, the bench observed that the condition of the Theog-Narkanda stretch is reportedly even worse than the Dhalli-Theog segment. The court noted that the highway from Shimla to Narkanda and further to Rampur serves as a lifeline for the apple-growing belt and connects remote areas such as Kinnaur and border regions, including Chitkul and Shipki La.
Critical Observations by the Bench
"The road in question has become a dirt track due to potholes. The defence that the state has been unable to carry out repairs because of two heavy monsoons cannot be accepted," the bench observed. It emphasised that maintaining basic infrastructure is a fundamental responsibility of the government.
Broader Consequences Highlighted
The court also highlighted the broader consequences of the road's poor condition, including damage to private and commercial vehicles, particularly those of the financially strained Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC). Highlighting environmental concerns, the court noted that dust from the damaged road is polluting the air and affecting residents living along the route.
Government Directed to File Status Report
The state government has been directed to file a status report by May 21 detailing proposals sent to the central government for financial assistance. The court observed that despite the Centre's willingness to share the cost, progress appears to be stalled due to inaction on the part of state authorities.
