CM Sukhu Inspects Shoghi-Dhalli Four-Lane Project, Assures Relief to Affected Families Amid Safety Concerns.
Shimla:
Amid growing concerns over public safety and property damage due to ongoing hill-cutting activities, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today conducted an extensive inspection of the vulnerable stretches along the under-construction Shoghi-Dhalli four-lane project in Shimla district.
The Chief Minister visited several affected locations, including Bhattakufar, Sanjauli, Dhalli, Lindidhar, and adjoining areas, to personally assess the situation and interact with local residents. The 27-kilometer stretch of the project, overseen by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), has come under fire from the public over alleged reckless construction practices that have led to increased landslide threats and structural damages.
Residents voiced their distress, citing significant property losses and the looming threat to their safety. Many alleged that NHAI officials have failed to respond to their repeated complaints. “We are living in constant fear. Our homes are damaged, and we feel unheard,” said a resident, urging the Chief Minister for immediate intervention.
Taking serious note of their grievances, CM Sukhu directed all concerned departments to act without delay to implement safety and mitigation measures. “People build their homes over a lifetime of savings. When those homes are destroyed, it’s not just a financial loss—it’s the collapse of dreams and emotional security,” the Chief Minister told reporters.
In a major relief announcement, CM Sukhu declared that the State Government will provide Rs. 10,000 per month as rental assistance to families living in unsafe houses so they can move to temporary rented accommodation. He also assured a special relief package for those who have suffered losses due to construction-related disasters.
The Chief Minister further stated that he would raise the matter with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, and press for accountability and immediate corrective measures.
Advocating for sustainable development, CM Sukhu emphasized that future infrastructure projects in hilly terrains must prioritize safety, local expertise, and modern engineering solutions. “NHAI should seriously consider tunnel-based alternatives and employ contractors who understand local topography,” he asserted.
To address ongoing safety risks, the Shimla District Administration has formed a 12-member committee headed by the Additional District Magistrate (Protocol) to identify and assess vulnerable spots along the highway stretch and recommend corrective actions.
In addition, a separate five-member committee, chaired by the Additional District Magistrate (Law & Order), has been constituted to investigate the recent building collapse in Bhattakufar.
Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh, Principal Advisor (Media) to the Chief Minister Naresh Chauhan, Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap, and other senior officials accompanied the Chief Minister during the inspection.
The State Government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring public safety and promised ongoing engagement with affected communities to provide timely relief and sustainable solutions.
