NH-707 construction sparks outrage, violates safety norms

Private companies engaged in Phase 3 construction of Paonta Sahib-Shillai-Gumma-Fedizpul-Hatkoti National Highway-707 are once again embroiled in controversy — this time for executing bitumen work at night during active rainfall, flouting well-established road construction norms. The incident has triggered a wave of criticism and raised serious concerns about the effectiveness of monitoring by the district administration and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).

A video that surfaced on social media shows workers laying charcoal and bitumen on visibly wet surfaces under pouring rain, in the dead of night. The footage quickly went viral, sparking outrage among locals and netizens alike, many of whom are now demanding immediate accountability from government authorities.

Experts have strongly condemned the act, warning that such practices gravely undermine the structural integrity of the road. “Bituminous layers must be applied only on completely dry surfaces. When moisture mixes with bitumen, it weakens adhesion and leads to premature road failure,” explained road construction expert Virender Bashwal. “Typically, a drying period of three to four days is required after rainfall before any such work can proceed.”

According to reports, the construction firm allegedly rushed to complete the work under cover of darkness to escape public scrutiny and meet internal deadlines — actions that violate not just technical norms but also public trust.

This is not the first time NH-707 has come under the scanner. The project is already facing legal proceedings before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) over serious environmental violations. Accusations range from the use of gelatin in ecologically sensitive hill terrain to unregulated dumping of debris in rivers, seasonal streams, forests and private lands. Concerns have also been raised over the use of substandard materials.

Responding to the latest incident, MoRTH Project Director Sasvat Mahapatra confirmed that a non-conformance report has been issued to the company. “They have been directed to relay the affected road section strictly as per prescribed norms,” he said.

Himachal Tribune