Debris disposal hits Char Dham road project

THE ongoing all-weather road project aimed at enhancing the accessibility to Char Dham shrines in Uttarakhand has hit a snag as the dumping zones created for hill-cutting debris along the Badrinath highway have reached their full capacity.

- NARENDRA SETHI

Filling up of all designated dumping zones have led debris accumulation along the highway. Though debris disposal was slated for completion in January, progress has halted due to the absence of space. The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL), the executing agency of the road project, is struggling to find space for debris disposal. Officials said the forest department is expected to identify new dumping areas shortly.

"The all-weather road project, spanning approximately 900 kilometres, has been underway on the Badrinath highway for nearly five years. As part of this initiative, road widening and beautification work are set to take place over a stretch of about 85 km from Nagarasu to Helang," said an official.