SHIMLA: Himachal Pradesh High Court, while hearing the petition filed by Davinder Mokhta and others, passed directions regarding the restoration and maintenance of the budgeted Fingri Kalontha Ambulance Road.
The petitioners, represented by advocate K.S. Dhaulta, have been fighting for reconnection of the road to the highway at Fingari (Sundali), an essential lifeline for the public, especially for the residents of four panchayats in the region.
The state's legal team, including Advocate General Anup Rattan, Additional Advocate Generals Pranay Pratap Singh, Govind Korla, Priyanka Chauhan, and Deputy Advocate General Arsh Rattan, informed the court that the widening of the Theog-Hatkoti-Rohru road between 2014 and 2018 had blocked the old link road due to the increased height on the road.
The resultant obstruction, compounded by the construction of a 5-meter-high breast wall, had completely cut off the local ambulance road, depriving the community of essential motorable access.
In its response, the state proposed a solution to re-align the ambulance road alongside the main highway on the hill side. The proposal suggests utilizing the unutilized width of about 3-4 meters beyond the edge of the main road to reconnect the ambulance road to the highway.
This step, if executed, could offer much-needed relief to the local population, ensuring safe access to essential services.
The bench, headed by Acting Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Satyen Vaidya, directed that the proposed re-alignment plan be placed on record in the next hearing scheduled for October 28, 2024.
Additionally, the court issued strict instructions for a responsible officer from the office of the Executive Engineer, HPPWD Division-Jubbal, Shimla, to be present in court with all relevant records related to the project.
With the region's infrastructure and public safety hanging in the balance, the court’s firm direction has intensified anticipation for the next hearing scheduled for October 28th.
After a prolonged battle that began in 2016, the Hon’ble High Court has taken serious cognizance of a PIL filed for the restoration of the old link road disrupted during the widening of the Theog-Kharapathar-Hatkoti National Highway at Sundali (Jubba).
The road, a vital ambulance route and a historic mule path from the Jubbal Riyasat era, linked Bamta with Chopal. Its blockage has left five local panchayats—Jaipidi Mata, Dhar, Barthata, Kathasu, and Badal—without essential connectivity to the main highway.
The court has now directed the Executive Engineer of Jubbal to submit a proposal for the road’s restoration by October 28, 2024.
The petitioner strongly argued that the government has been using local objections as an excuse to delay the restoration.
However, it was highlighted that a 3-4 meter vacant, acquired width exists, allowing the road to be linked back to the highway without any real opposition from locals, as it involves government land.
Despite the clear need and public benefit, the state has continued to stall, leaving local residents without proper access to emergency services and vital transport routes.
The petitioner pressed for immediate action, emphasizing the government’s apathy toward public welfare. The restoration of this key road would provide much-needed connectivity for thousands in the region, enhancing their access to medical and other critical services.
The court's directive sends a strong signal to the government, urging swift restoration for the larger benefit of the people in the area.
