Shimla, July 6 -- Union minister JP Nadda on Saturday raised concern over a circular issued by the Himachal Pradesh Pollution Control Board that requires the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to obtain annual permits, just like industrial units, resulting in "unnecessary procedural delays". Nadda, who was in Bilaspur for a review meeting, said while addressing mediapersons that he would speak to chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for an exemption.

Nadda also pointed out that some critical projects are stalled due to pending approvals. The Sumdo-Kaza road project is awaiting forest clearance from the state government, while the Birhu to Lathiyani road project is facing delays due to pending land acquisition compensation and t...