Residents Raise Serious Questions Over Survey and Alignment of Chalonthi-Bhattakufar Twin Tunnel; MP Asks Why Original Survey Was Changed
A House Represents a Lifetime of Savings; Every Genuine Loss Suffered by Affected Families Must Be Compensated: Suresh Kashyap
Safety Must Remain Top Priority; Work Should Proceed on Technical Findings and Residents Must Be Taken Into Confidence: Suresh Kashyap
Will Take Up Matter With Senior Authorities and Union Minister; Restoration Work Should Be Undertaken on War Footing With Technical Experts: Suresh Kashyap
Shimla: An important meeting of local residents was held at the Community Hall in Shanti Vihar, Sanjauli, to discuss issues related to the ongoing Chalonthi-Bhattakufar twin-tunnel and National Highway project. Shimla Parliamentary constituency MP Suresh Kashyap attended the meeting and heard the concerns of affected residents.
NHAI officials Chandel and Kapoor were also present at the meeting, where residents raised questions regarding the project survey, tunnel alignment, safety of residential buildings, compensation, public consultation and the possible impact of construction on the surrounding area.
The meeting was informed that residents have constituted a Twin Tunnel Affected Sangharsh Samiti. The committee has authorised Narendra Thakur, Councillor from Bhattakufar Ward, and Vineet Sharma, Councillor from Shanti Vihar Ward, to take up the issues of affected residents with the concerned authorities.
Residents stated that those affected include Anshul Chauhan, I.D. Sharma, Ravina, Dr Karuna, Dr Jogta, D.D. Mehta, Navpreet Singh, Mehta Petrol Pump and Balbir Verma, among others. Govind Chitranta, Rajinder Chauhan, Amit Gangta, Savita Thakur and Nitika Kanthla were among those who raised various concerns during the meeting.
Residents Question Survey and Alignment
Local residents alleged that construction was not being carried out in accordance with the earlier survey. They demanded that the original survey, present alignment and technical methodology adopted for construction be thoroughly examined and explained publicly.
Residents also raised concerns regarding the geographical and geological sensitivity of the area. They said a comprehensive geotechnical and safety assessment should be undertaken before further major construction activity.
They further alleged that no proper public hearing was held before the project began and that all stakeholders and local elected representatives were not adequately taken into confidence.
Residents expressed apprehension that a large number of houses could eventually be affected. They pointed to the steep slopes in the area and feared that instability affecting one structure or portion of the hillside could have consequences for other houses located nearby.
Questions were also raised regarding the distance between the underground tunnel and residential buildings. Residents demanded an independent technical assessment of the issue.
The possible impact on the Lakshmi Narayan Temple, which residents said holds religious and emotional significance for the locality, was also raised during the meeting.
Technical Study Underway
NHAI officials informed the gathering that the concerned work had presently been stopped and that a team from IIT Roorkee was conducting a geotechnical study. They said the technical findings would be considered before further action and efforts would be made to ensure that residents did not suffer any loss.
Residents, however, demanded complete transparency regarding the technical report, safety measures, survey and future course of construction.
“A Home Is a Person’s Lifetime Investment”
Addressing the meeting, MP Suresh Kashyap said a house is not merely a building but often represents the savings and hard work of an entire lifetime.
“It takes a lifetime for a person to build a home. If someone’s house is damaged or becomes unsafe, there can hardly be a greater personal loss. Development is necessary, but people’s lives and safety are even more important,” Kashyap said.
He said he had already spoken to the Project Director as well as the Deputy Commissioner of Shimla regarding the matter.
After assessing the situation, Kashyap said the apprehensions among residents needed to be taken seriously. He stressed that people should be properly informed about the project and that public consultation should form an important part of the process.
Why Was the Original Survey Changed: Kashyap
Kashyap questioned the officials over the project survey and asked why the original survey or alignment had been changed, if such a change had indeed taken place.
He said, “We must ensure that no tragedy occurs in Sanjauli in the future. If one house is affected, the possible impact on the houses behind or around it must also be scientifically investigated.”
He called for a proper technical investigation and said construction should proceed only after safety concerns had been satisfactorily addressed.
Losses Must Be Properly Assessed
Kashyap assured residents that he would take up their concerns with senior authorities.
He said, “I will raise the matter with senior officials and, if required, with the Union Minister as well. Every genuine loss suffered by residents should be properly assessed and appropriate compensation should be ensured as per the rules.”
He also called for restoration work to be undertaken on a war footing in affected areas and stressed that geologists, structural specialists and other technical experts should be involved in the process.
The meeting witnessed an intense interaction between residents and NHAI officials, with people seeking clear answers regarding safety, the survey, construction methodology and the future of the project.
Rajinder Chauhan, Keshav Chauhan, Karan Nanda, Reena and Asha, along with local residents, were also present at the meeting.
Kashyap reiterated that road and national highway projects are important for development, but human life, the safety of people’s homes and the confidence of local residents must remain the foremost priority in any development project.
