An 8-year-old child from Kalika died near Phultadi on the Pithoragarh-Dharchula Highway after a motorcycle lost control on a damaged stretch and the child came under an army vehicle. The death triggered a protest by villagers, who blamed the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) for the condition of the road.

The protest took place the day after the fatal incident. Led by Bhupal Rawal, president of the Gaurav Sainani organisation, residents held a sit-in on the highway and demanded action against BRO officials. They also sought suitable compensation for the child’s family.

Villagers stop minister’s convoy

Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj was returning from Darma Valley when villagers stopped his convoy near the protest site. They told him that the highway had remained in poor condition for a long time and alleged that the lack of repairs had contributed to the accident.

Maharaj assured the protesters that he would discuss the matter with the chief minister and with the Centre. The convoy was allowed to proceed after the assurance.

The villagers warned that they would block the highway if road repairs did not begin soon and action was not taken against those they held responsible.

Officials reach protest site

Sub-Divisional Magistrate Ashish Joshi, BRO officials and police personnel reached the site after receiving information about the demonstration. Residents said damaged stretches in Kalika, Phultadi, Galati, Hat and Gwalgaon had become a continuing risk for road users.

The protest disrupted traffic on the highway for about one hour. Vehicles formed queues on both sides, leaving passengers and drivers waiting for movement to resume.

The SDM instructed officials of BRO’s Hillways company by telephone to fill potholes quickly and clear blocked drains. Villagers ended the sit-in after the instructions were issued, allowing traffic to restart.

Work begins after instructions

Following the directions, the company sent a JCB to the area and began clearing blocked drains. Residents also demanded that potholes be filled and drains reopened in Gwalgaon.

The immediate work followed the administration’s intervention, but the broader demand remains for durable repairs on the highway and accountability in the wake of the child’s death. The protesters have linked their warning of a future road blockade to the pace of those actions.

Conclusion

The Phultadi protest followed the death of an 8-year-old child and focused on alleged prolonged neglect of the highway. Villagers have demanded compensation, action against BRO officials and urgent repairs, while the administration has ordered pothole filling and drain clearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Where did the accident occur?

The accident occurred near Phultadi on the Pithoragarh-Dharchula Highway.

Q. How old was the child who died?

The child was 8 years old and was from Kalika.

Q. Why did villagers protest?

They protested over the child’s death and the poor condition of the highway, which they blamed on the BRO.

Q. What did the villagers demand?

They demanded action against BRO officials, suitable compensation for the family and urgent road repairs.

Q. What action did the administration order?

The SDM directed BRO’s Hillways company to fill potholes and clear blocked drains. The company then sent a JCB to begin the work.