A social activist has raised concerns over the location of a toll plaza in Garhmukteshwar, citing official government regulations that it appears to violate.
According to information provided to Garh-based activist Pankaj Lodhi, there is a provision that toll plazas must be established at least 10 kilometres away from a municipal boundary and 60 kilometres from another toll plaza. This rule was confirmed in writing by Shantanu FC Bhattacharya, Additional Secretary to the Government of India and Public Information Officer for Tolls.
The confirmation came after Lodhi sought information from the Secretary of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The ministry's response clarified that on August 22, it had informed NITI Aayog, NHAI and NHCIDCL that a toll plaza would not be constructed within 60 kilometres of another and must be 10 kilometres from the boundary of a municipality or municipal corporation.
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Despite this clear regulation, Pankaj Lodhi alleges that the Brij ghat toll plaza is operating illegally as it is established within the municipal limits of Garhmukteshwar. He claims that the concerned department is knowingly allowing the illegally located toll plaza to continue its operations.
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This situation has reportedly caused significant outrage among residents and organisations in the Garh municipal area. The dispute has led to frequent, major altercations at the toll plaza, creating a law and order problem for the local governance and administration.