There is growing discontent over the viability of these mega projects. The Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari who visited various parts of Himachal Pradesh has been reviewing the situation in the hill state since the unprecedented tragedies unfolded and brought life to a standstill. Gadkari says that it would be foolish to blame anyone for such natural disasters. He, however, agrees that the authorities who allowed the rampant construction by the riverside should not allow such things in the future. In an exclusive interview with Aditya Kant and Chandrani Banerjee the minister elaborated on the immediate measures and the long-term plans that the government is taking to restore life to normalcy and minimize the damage in the eventuality of such disasters in the future.
Gadkari, who is the longest-serving minister of Road Transport and Highways, and is also known as the Expressway Man of India also mentioned the plans and the new projects that are being taken up to improve road safety and ease of travel on highways. Excerpts:
Q. Since you have visited rain-ravaged places in Himachal and Uttarakhand, what is your assessment of the situation?
Esta historia es de la edición August 19, 2023 de The Statesman.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición August 19, 2023 de The Statesman.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Ponting predicts 3-1 triumph for Oz in Border-Gavaskar series
Former captain Ricky Ponting predicted a 3-1 victory for Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India as he feels the visitors will find taking 20 wickets in a Test as the \"biggest challenge\" in the absence of Mohammed Shami.
Days after CA lifts leadership ban, David Warner named Sydney Thunder captain
Days after Cricket Australia lifted the leadership ban on David Warner due to his role in 'Sandpaper-gate' during the Newlands Test in 2018, the former Australia batter was appointed captain of Big Bash League (BBL) team Sydney Thunder.
ISL: Kerala Blasters FC, Hyderabad FC strive to boost struggling campaigns
Both Kerala Blasters FC and Hyderabad FC will aim to give their struggling campaigns some much needed boost when they meet in an Indian Super League (ISL) clash in Kochi on Thursday.
For first time in a decade, Kohli slips out of top-20 in Test rankings
Former Team India captain suffers dramatic fall in ICC rankings after poor New Zealand series
Luis Enrique heaps praise on Atletico coach Simeone
Paris Saint Germain head coach Luis Enrique has expressed great admiration towards Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone, having played against the Argentine 14 times during his stint as FC Barcelona manager.
Martinez returns to Argentina squad for World Cup qualifiers
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is set to return to Argentina's national squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers after serving a suspension.
Champions League: Real Madrid head coach Ancelotti laments lack of 'solidity' after AC Milan humiliation
After his side's disappointing defeat against AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) at the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti said that they are struggling to find that solidity.
Nikhat Zareen hails bid to host 2036 Olympics
After India made a formal bid to host the 2036 Olympics, two-time world champion boxer Nikhat Zareen said the bid would motivate sportspersons but called for the need to establish Sports Authority of India (SAI) centres in every state to foster overall sports development, essential for staging such a prestigious event in the country.
AC Milan thrash Real Madrid 3-1; Sporting CP, Liverpool also win
Milan puts defending champion's chances for knockout stage in doubt while Sporting, Liverpool also win big
Assam government suspends five officers for dereliction of poll duties
In a move to uphold administrative discipline, the Assam government has suspended five Assam Civil Services (ACS) officers for allegedly neglecting their assigned election duties.