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Shimla Bypass Project Cracks Homes: NHAI Pledges Aid, Halts Blasting

Cracks have emerged in buildings in Chalaunthi village, Shimla, near the under-construction four-lane bypass project. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) conducted a survey and has evacuated the affected building as a precaution. In response to residents' concerns, the project concessionaire has been instructed to halt blasting activities in densely populated areas. NHAI is providing alternative accommodation and monitoring the situation while proceeding with land acquisition for the damaged structures.

Key Points: Cracks Near Shimla Bypass: NHAI Aid & Blasting Halt

  • Cracks found in buildings near Shimla bypass
  • NHAI conducts joint building survey
  • Blasting halted in populated areas on public concern
  • Evacuated families given rental accommodation
  • Land acquisition for affected structures underway
2 min read

NHAI assures assistance to Chalaunthi residents after cracks emerge near Shimla bypass project

NHAI assures assistance after cracks appear in Shimla village homes near highway project. Survey conducted, families evacuated, and blasting halted in populated areas.

"Based on the survey report, appropriate and suitable action will be taken to ensure the safety of residents - NHAI"

Shimla, January 11

The National Highways Authority of India on Sunday assured all possible assistance to residents of Chalaunthi village in Shimla after cracks were observed in buildings near the under-construction four-lane Shimla bypass.

According to NHAI officials, cracks were observed late on the night of January 9 in a building near the ongoing highway construction. Following the incident, a joint building survey was conducted by NHAI authorities, during which minor to moderate cracks were found in the affected structure.

NHAI said that the acquisition process of two nearby buildings was already underway. Compensation for one building has been announced, while the acquisition proceedings for the second structure have been initiated. To closely monitor the impact of construction activities, the project concessionaire had earlier installed bi-reflex targets for building condition surveys and has now been directed to install additional targets on surrounding buildings and continuously monitor their readings.

Residents of the area have raised concerns about blasting activities for tunnel construction under the project. While NHAI maintained that controlled blasting was being undertaken in accordance with prescribed norms, it said that, in view of public concerns, the concessionaire has been instructed not to conduct any blasting in densely populated areas.

"Based on the survey report, appropriate and suitable action will be taken to ensure the safety of residents," NHAI said, adding that the affected building had already been evacuated as a precautionary measure. Alternative rental accommodation has been arranged for the displaced families to ensure their safety and welfare.

Cracks have recently developed in several houses and sections of roads in Chalaunthi, in the Sanjauli area of Shimla, raising concerns among local residents. The damage was reported near an under-construction tunnel and a four-lane national highway project being executed by the NHAI. Families living in the area had expressed apprehensions that excavation and blasting work could further destabilise the hillside, prompting demands for immediate inspections, rehabilitation measures and suspension of blasting in residential zones.

NHAI reiterated that it is providing all possible assistance to the affected people and is closely monitoring the situation to prevent any further risk to life and property.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Shimla's ecology is so fragile. Every time there's a big project, we hear about landslides and cracks. While development is needed, can't we use more delicate methods than blasting in populated areas? Glad they've stopped it now, but the damage is done. 😟 Thoughts with the displaced families.
A
Aman W
"Controlled blasting as per norms" – this line is used every single time. The norms clearly aren't strong enough for Himalayan geology. Authorities need to update their rulebooks with real ground realities, not just textbook theories. Public safety should be the #1 norm.
S
Sarah B
Installing more monitoring targets is a positive step, but it's reactive, not proactive. The assurance of assistance is welcome, but residents need a guarantee that such incidents won't be repeated in future phases of the project. Transparency in the survey findings would build trust.
V
Vikram M
This bypass is crucial for decongesting Shimla, but not at the cost of people's lives and homes. The authorities must ensure the rental accommodation is proper and not some makeshift arrangement. Also, "appropriate action" should be clearly defined and executed swiftly. Jai Himachal!
K
Kriti O
It's heartbreaking to see people evacuated from their homes. Hope they get proper support. On a positive note, at least the response seems coordinated with surveys and immediate halt to blasting. Many places, complaints just fall on deaf ears. Let's hope for a permanent solution.

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