Nitin Gadkari Criticizes Poor Road Planning In Manali-Kullu Amid Landslide Destruction

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, expressed his concerns over the extensive damage to roads caused by landslides and floods in the Manali-Kullu region. Despite spending Rs. 3,000 to 3,500 crores on road construction, the roads were completely destroyed due to natural disasters, with landslides uprooting mountains and sweeping away roads. The minister highlighted the difficulties in evacuating people from these areas during such calamities, noting the recurring problem of landslides and the lack of a foolproof solution. Gadkari candidly criticized the approach of some contractors and officials responsible for road construction, stating that they often prepare reports from the comfort of their homes without conducting detailed investigations or studies on the ground. He apologized for using the term "culprits" but stressed the need for accountability and thorough planning to prevent such disasters in the future.