An 80-year-old retired Deputy Director of the State Education Department, JC Bharti, a resident of Ward No. 7 in Nurpur, has been battling for more than three years to secure protection for his house from the ongoing construction of the Nurpur bypass under the Pathankot-Mandi four-lane highway project.
Bharti alleges that his residence remains under constant threat due to the accumulation of debris, muck and rainwater flowing into his premises during the monsoon season and even after normal rainfall. According to him, the problem arose following highway construction activities being carried out by an agency engaged by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
Over the past three years, Bharti has repeatedly approached the local administration, submitting several memorandums to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) ahead of every monsoon season. He sought intervention and directions to the construction company to take corrective measures. However, he claims that despite repeated representations, no effective action has been taken so far.
On Wednesday, Bharti, accompanied by his wife and newly elected Municipal Councillor Anamika Devi, met SDM Arun Sharma and once again highlighted the risks posed to their residence. In his memorandum, Bharti stated that his family spends sleepless nights during every spell of heavy rain, fearing damage to their home and property.
He alleged that the absence of a proper drainage system and the construction of a culvert near his house have led to the repeated accumulation of debris and rainwater in his residential premises and adjoining orchard. The situation, he said, has caused substantial financial losses and now threatens the structural safety of the house itself.
Bharti further claimed that he has spent several lakh rupees over the last three years on temporary protective measures, removal of accumulated debris and pumping out rainwater from his property. He urged the administration to direct the construction agency to divert the culvert and construct a retaining wall near his house to prevent damage during the upcoming monsoon season.
Confirming receipt of the complaint, SDM Arun Sharma said the matter had been taken up with the NHAI construction agency and directions had been issued to take immediate precautionary measures to safeguard the complainant’s residential premises.
