Himachal High Court Refuses to Stay Construction of 33 Crore Flyover in Mandi Zhiri

The Himachal Pradesh High Court has declined to halt the construction of a 33 crore flyover and underpass in Mandi's Zhiri, directing local authorities to provide police protection for the project.

The construction work of the flyover and underpass coming up under the Kiratpur-Manali four-lane project in Zhiri, located in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, will continue without any disruption. The Himachal Pradesh High Court has clearly refused to stay the ongoing construction, providing a significant legal clearance for the infrastructure project. The estimated cost of this flyover and underpass project stands at approximately 33 crore rupees.

Court Directives and Security Measures
The ruling was delivered by the bench of Justice Sandeep Sharma during a hearing held on September 10. The court asserted that imposing a stay on crucial infrastructure projects of national importance is not appropriate. Furthermore, the judiciary directed the Mandi district administration and the local police to ensure adequate security personnel are deployed at the site to clear any obstructions hindering the construction work. The next hearing for the case is scheduled for October 15, by which the National Highways Authority of India, district administration, and police must submit their progress reports to the court.

Local Opposition and Demands
A section of local residents in Zhiri has been opposing the construction of the flyover. Protesters argue that the upcoming structure will adversely impact their commercial activities and local businesses. The dispute has intensified locally, with some residents even resorting to hunger strikes to press their demands. The agitating locals want a rotary to be built at the site instead of the planned flyover. Although the National Highways Authority of India had commenced the construction of the flyover cum underpass, it had to be halted due to stiff resistance from the public.

Traffic Management and Safety Concerns
Authorities and proponents of the project point out that the flyover cum underpass is being constructed on only one section of the four-lane highway to streamline traffic movement in the area. In the absence of proper connectivity and transit facilities, commuters have been facing severe difficulties while navigating the four-lane stretch, leading to frequent accidents. This safety and transit crisis prompted the legal battle, resulting in the High Court directing that the work must proceed. Notably, an earlier petition filed to halt the project had also been dismissed by the court.

What this means for you
The High Court ruling ensures that infrastructure development and traffic management initiatives in the Mandi region will progress without further legal delays.

• Across India: The decision reinforces the judicial stance prioritizing national infrastructure development and highway safety over local disruptions.
• In Mandi: Commuters and residents around Zhiri can expect improved traffic flow and reduced accident risks once the flyover and underpass project is completed.

Why this happened
The legal standoff arose due to intense local resistance and concerns raised by residents regarding the commercial impact of the infrastructure project.

• Commercial Anxieties: Local business owners fear that the elevated structure will disrupt customer access and harm their livelihoods.
• Project Necessity: Authorities initiated the work to resolve persistent traffic bottlenecks and frequent accidents on the unmanaged four-lane stretch.

Questions & Answers

1. What project is being constructed in Zhiri?
A flyover and underpass are being built under the Kiratpur-Manali four-lane project.

2. What is the total cost of the project?
The construction of the flyover cum underpass is estimated at around 33 crore rupees.

3. What did the High Court direct in its order?
The court refused to stay the construction and instructed the administration and police to provide adequate security.

4. Why are locals opposing the construction?
Residents argue that the flyover will negatively impact their local businesses and are demanding a rotary instead.

5. When is the next hearing scheduled?
The next hearing for the case has been scheduled for October 15.

https://trendkia.com/en/himachal-pradesh/himachal-high-court-refuses-to-stay-construction-of-33-crore-flyover-in-mandi-zhiri-32617
TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.