Manali: The week long strike by employees of Rohtang Tunnel Project has ended after 7th day today with reconciliation by the management and the workers Union.
It is prudent to mention that, a tiny issue of re-instatement of a driver has snowballed into a major controversy resulting, the workers Union and SAJV(Strabag Afcons Joint Venture), coming with loggerheads with each other.
As per the sources, the entire episode started over SAJV’s removal of a driver over misconduct and workers Union coming openly in support of the sacked employee and demanding his re-induction. Afterwards, there were some FIR’s and Cross FIR’s accusing each other.
It is prudent to mention that, Rohtang Tunnel is a prestigious project of Ministry Of Defence, under which India’s Longest tunnel will be made under Rohtang Pass, in the eastern Pir Panjal ranges of Himalayas ,giving all weather connectivity to Lahaul Valley in Himachal Pradesh.This Rupees 1495 Crore Project is being constructed under the aegis of BRO(Border Roads Organisation) by SAJV,a joint venture between Afcons Infrastructure Ltd. And Strabag SE of Austria, the world’s fourth largest construction company.
P.K.Mahajan,Chief Engineer Rohtang Tunnel Project disclosed that the week long strike has caused the delay in progress of Tunnel in a tune of 35 meters.He told that SDM Manali,Balbir Thakur and DSP Manali Shamsher playeda pivotal role in mediating and resolving the matter amicably.He further urged the workers that in the interest of the nation,no such incidents should be repeated in future.
Some sources said that this strike has dented the Ministry of Defence exchequer by more than 3.5 Crores.
Sanjay Dutta, an engineer by qualification but is a journalist by choice.
He has worked for the premier new agency Press Trust of India and leading English daily Indian Express.
With more than a decade of experience, he has been highlighting issues related to environment, tourism and other aspects affecting mountain ecology.
Sanjay Dutta lives in a village close to Manali in Kullu valley of Himachal.
