Difficult For Motorists To Drive On NH-21 Due To Heavy Dust, Poor Road Conditions: HP High Court Pulls Up NHAI, Seeks Status Report

The court, in an order passed by Chief Justice M.S. Ramachandra Rao and Justice Jyotsna Rewal Dua, noted that while some steps have been taken to improve the condition of NH-05, the Manali-Mandi section of NH-21 remains neglected.

Taking note of the recently filed status report by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) regarding NH-05, the court appreciated the efforts made to improve that road. However, the court's order specifically directed the NHAI to file a status report on the Manali-Mandi section of NH-21 at the next hearing.

“We have noticed on a recent visit over the weekend to Kullu & Manali that nothing much has been done to repair the road condition or remove the landslides at several places, where they have occurred on account of heavy rainfall in the months of July and August, 2023”, the bench recorded.

While acknowledging the presence of functional tunnels, the court emphasized the persisting hazards caused by neglected road maintenance, particularly between Manali and Mandi.

“Though tunnels on the said section are good, there are several stretches where it is difficult for the motorists to drive because of heavy dust on road and poor road conditions. Also in several places, the mudslides/landslides, which had occurred, have not been removed and the roads are very narrow at several points, which require immediate attention of the NHAI”, the bench remarked.

In response to these pressing issues, the court has directed the NHAI to submit a detailed status report on the Manali-Mandi section of NH-21, outlining proposed steps to rectify the existing challenges.

The next hearing in the case is scheduled for April 4, 2024.

Case Title: Court on its own motion Vs. State of H.P. & Ors.

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