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The completion of the Pathankot-Mandi road-widening project, a crucial 219-km route connecting Pathankot to Leh, has been delayed by more than three years due to a lack of environmental clearance. Although work on the first phase is underway, the remaining four phases are at a standstill due to the absence of green clearance. Recently, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Chief Minister, Himachal, met with the Union Environment and Forest Minister to discuss the issue. However, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is yet to receive the necessary clearance. Previously, the NHAI had granted approval for the construction of the first phase of the project, which spans from Pathankot (Kandwal) to 32 Miles in Kangra district, after receiving clearance from the Environment Ministry in March 2022. The work on this phase is currently in progress. However, no progress has been made on the remaining four phases, which cover a distance of 185 km. The state government has already provided compensation to 90% of the affected individuals for land acquisition between Pathankot and Palampur. Global bids for the second phase were released by the NHAI last year, and a Gurugram-based company was awarded the construction work. As the construction is planned on forest land as well, the work cannot commence without a no-objection certificate from the Centre and the HP Government. This project holds strategic importance as it connects Pathankot to Leh, Ladakh, and other forward areas. Taking defence requirements into account, the Centre aims to expedite its completion. The organisation is committed to minimising hill cutting, preventing environmental degradation, and avoiding inconvenience and displacement of people residing along the highway. Upon the completion of the four-lane road, the distance between Pathankot and Mandi will be reduced from 219 km to 171 km. Also read: Rs 480 mn national highway projects inaugurated in Vadodara Govt allows E-bank guarantees for Highway, Ropeway contracts