The formation of an artificial lake in Garsian Khad (Parchu) in the Dharampur subdivision of Mandi district has submerged a temple and a cremation ground, raising a serious concern among the local residents.
Suresh Sharma, a Kissan Sabha leader and an advocate from Sarkaghat, said, “This situation has been created by alleged negligence of Gawar Construction Company engaged by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) of the Central government to build Attali – Leh Highway (NH3) as the company allegedly violated construction norms and ignored environmental issues, despite several reminders and protests for the last many years by local people.”
Kissan Sabha leaders of the area have been taking up this issue with the authorities engaged in construction and with the local administration and have decided to take up the issue with Mandi Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan and also hold a public demonstration on Wednesday at Garsian bridge.
Local people blame the construction company for the situation, “ As the company allegedly carried huge illegal dumping in Garsian Khad (Parchu) and is also constructing a bridge on the debris extracted during the construction at the place by using Girder technology.”
“The four pillars of the bridge have collapsed, endangering the lives and property of people living downstream; the two-story temple of Garsian Mata has been submerged, and nearly forty feet of water have accumulated in the khad for about five hundred meters,” said Suresh Sharma.
Dharampur MLA Chandrer Shekhar also visted the site of the lake on Tuesday .
Dharampur SDM Joginder Patyal said, “The administration is trying to release the accumulated water in the khad, and steps are being taken to prevent any damage to the lives and property of people living in the area.“
