Investigation Ordered into Irregularities in NH-3 Construction from Hamirpur to Paarchoo

District-Level High-Power Committee Formed for Scrutiny

In response to allegations of irregularities and misallocation of compensation in the construction of National Highway-3 (NH-3) from Hamirpur to Paarchoo, a thorough investigation has been ordered. A district-level High-Power Committee, including four MLA representatives, as well as officials from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, will be responsible for overseeing the inquiry.

This development comes following a proposal brought forward by MLA Rajendra Rana of Sujanpur on Wednesday. The proposal aimed to address concerns and discrepancies related to the ongoing construction of NH-3, a project initiated by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The construction of NH-3 began in 2022 after the Detailed Project Report (DPR) was prepared between 2007 and 2009.

Issues have also arisen concerning land acquisition, with recent flooding exacerbating the situation. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has acknowledged that damaged pipe lines are being reconnected during construction. Additionally, efforts are being made to restore the dumping site affected by floods. To address concerns related to land acquisition, approximately 95% of the compensation, amounting to nearly 280 crore rupees, has been disbursed.

The inquiry into irregularities in compensation allocation will be conducted by the High-Power Committee, which will also investigate any irregularities in construction work. Matters related to irregularities will also be raised with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.

Regarding the provision of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for vegetables, Agriculture Minister Chandrakumar clarified that there is no provision for non-seasonal vegetables. He noted that the government is making every possible effort to assist farmers and horticulturists affected by natural disasters. The criteria for disaster relief have been revised, encompassing all crops, although there is no specific provision for vegetables in the state, except for apples and lemons.