The High Court of Uttarakhand has instructed the Uttarakhand Government to promptly solicit tenders for the essential infrastructure development of Nanhi Pari Seemant Engineering College in Pithoragarh. Additionally, the court has mandated the commencement of regular classes at the college without delay.

This directive was issued by a division bench comprising Chief Justice Ritu Bahri and Justice Rakesh Thapliyal on Tuesday.

Due to landslides in the area, the Nanhi Pari Seemant Engineering College, situated 15 km from Pithoragarh, incurred damage to its first floor, which was subsequently filled with debris. Consequently, classes had to be relocated to KNU Government Secondary School. The college, originally constructed at a cost of Rs 14.5 crore, faced these challenges.

A controversy arose due to the inability to conduct classes in the college, despite the state government's expenditure of Rs 14.5 crore on its construction. Taking note of the issue, the High Court initiated suo motu proceedings and requested a report from the administration on the matter.

According to the court, classes will be conducted in 10 prefabricated rooms constructed on the premises of the nearby Government Secondary College. Additionally, plans are underway to construct an alternative route from Pithoragarh city via Chandak, significantly reducing the distance to the institute from 15 km to just three-and-a-half km.

Upon hearing the plea, the Court directed the State Government to initiate the tender process promptly. Furthermore, the Court instructed the Government to provide an update on the progress within four weeks to ensure expeditious construction of the building without further delay.