A determined struggle has begun against the fact that Nainital's main artery, Lower Mall Road, has remained closed for about a year. On Independence Day, Punit Tandan, Chairman of the Maana Naina Devi Nainital Chamber of Commerce, sat down indefinitely in protest. He clearly stated that he no longer accepts promises and demands road repairs.
Tandan's movement has received wide support in the city. Nainital traders, local residents, and municipal council members regularly visit the protest site to show their support. People arrive at the location even during heavy rain, expressing their readiness to support Tandan's initiative side by side.
The protest site has turned into more than just a platform for expressing dissatisfaction; it has become the center of the 'Save Nainital' campaign. Residents note that Lower Mall Road, closed for almost a year, has negatively affected trade, tourism, and the lives of local people, and promises alone are no longer enough. Punit Tandan pointed out that the government, administration, and PWD have repeatedly set deadlines, but all established deadlines have passed, and the road remains in a deplorable condition.
He reported that he had suspended his movement four times after assurances from the administration, but each time he was met with disappointment. He sharply questioned: whose promises can one rely on now—the administration, the government, PWD, the Chief Minister, Commissioner Kumau, or the District Magistrate?
Tandan emphasized that this time he will not stop the strike based on any new date or verbal promise. As long as tangible action is not taken on the ground in response to his demands, the indefinite strike will continue. He noted that not even a small section of the road has been repaired in a year, while cracks continue to grow. If the problem is not solved in time, its consequences may spread to Upper Mall Road.
In his opinion, this fight goes beyond simply opening a road; it is a battle for the preservation of trade, tourism, ecology, and the future of Nainital. Punit Tandan said that on Independence Day, when the country celebrates freedom, Nainital is still struggling with fundamental problems. He added that the city, whose identity is defined by natural beauty and heritage, cannot be allowed to suffer from development.
Meanwhile, thanks to the support of municipal council members such as Jitendra Pandey, the movement has gained political and social backing. In addition to council members, many political and public organizations, traders, and local residents have approached Tandan, stating that they are not alone in this campaign to save Nainital.
Punit Tandan also clearly stated: 'I do not want to see defeat before Nainital. We must achieve victory.' Now it remains to be seen how long the indefinite strike, which began over Lower Mall Road, will force the government and administration to act. Currently, the road problem in Nainital has taken on the character of a movement, and the constant support arriving at the protest site gives this movement new strength.
