While the authorities tout the potential benefits of constructing the Char Dham all-weather road project, not all are happy with aspects of this project. The local residents of Joshimath came out on the roads in protest after the authorities started survey work for construction of the Helang-Marwadi by-pass road as part of the all-weather road project.
On Friday, the traders and businessmen in Joshimath kept their shops and commercial institutions closed. They also participated in a protest rally taken out in the town against the Helang-Marwadi by pass road. The locals against construction of the Helang-Marwadi by pass road submitted to the sub divisional magistrate, a memorandum addressed to the union minister of road transport and highways registering their objection. They opined that Joshimath town will be sidelined after construction of the bypass road.