Notice to Himachal Pradesh on poor road condition

Legal Correspondent

Shimla, July 15

The HP High Court today issued notices to the Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary (PWD) and Deputy Commissioner, Shimla on a petition highlighting poor condition of Ganasidhar-Sungri road, in Rohru, Shimla district.

A division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Ravi Malimath and Justice Jyotsna Rewal Dua passed this order on a petition filed by one Arpit Sharma of Bhamnoli village, Rohru tehsil alleging that the state government was not maintaining this road.

The court further directed the state authorities to file their reply within a period of four weeks and posted the matter after four weeks.

Expressing concern on the issue, the court treated this as Public Interest Litigation. The petitioner has alleged that most of the people in his area are involved in horticulture activities and the Ganasidhar- Sungri road is the lifeline of the horticulturists as this is the only road which connects their area to the nearby market to sell their produce.

It has been alleged in the petition that the condition of this road, upon which the livelihood, agricultural and tourism activities of the people is dependent, is very pathetic for many years. The nearby panchayats from time to time have demanded its maintenance but no heed has been paid to their requests.

The petitioner has prayed that the authorities concerned may be directed to properly repair and maintain the road.