Development is Necessary, But Human Life and Safety Are More Important: Suresh KashyapNo Compromise on Interests of Families Affected by Shanti Vihar Project: MP Suresh Kashyap
Locals Raise Serious Questions Over Survey and Alignment of Chalonthi-Bhatta Kufar Twin Tunnel; MP Asks Why Original Survey Was Changed
“People Spend Their Entire Lifetime’s Earnings Building a House; I Will Take Up the Issue of Compensation for Every Genuine Loss”: Suresh Kashyap
Work Should Move Forward Only After IIT Roorkee Technical Report, With Safety as Top Priority; Public Hearing and Confidence of Locals Essential
Shimla: A significant meeting of local residents was held at the Community Hall in Shanti Vihar, Sanjauli, regarding issues related to the under-construction Chalonthi-Bhatta Kufar Twin Tunnel and the National Highway project. Shimla Parliamentary Constituency MP Suresh Kashyap attended the meeting and heard the concerns of residents and property owners regarding the project’s survey, tunnel alignment, cracks reported in buildings, safety, compensation, public hearing and the possible long-term impact of the project on residential areas.
NHAI officials Chandail and Kapoor were also present at the meeting and responded to questions raised by local residents. People placed their concerns, apprehensions and problems before the MP and officials in detail and sought clarity on the technical aspects, safety arrangements and future course of the project.
The meeting was informed that local residents have constituted a Twin Tunnel Affected Struggle Committee to raise issues concerning affected families and property owners. The committee has authorised Bhatta Kufar Ward Councillor Narendra Thakur and Shanti Vihar Ward Councillor Vineet Sharma to take up the concerns of affected people before the concerned authorities and other appropriate forums.
The affected families and property owners mentioned during the meeting included Anshul Chauhan, I.D. Sharma, Raveena, 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 Kaithla, along with other local residents, also raised various issues prominently during the meeting.
Questions Raised Over Original Survey and Present Alignment
Local residents questioned whether the ongoing project work was being carried out in accordance with the survey conducted earlier. They demanded a detailed examination of the original survey, the present alignment and the technical process being followed for construction, and sought that the complete position be clearly placed before the public.
Residents also highlighted the geographical and geological sensitivity of the area and stressed that before proceeding with a project of such a large scale, a comprehensive geotechnical and safety assessment was essential.
They said that an extensive public hearing had not been conducted in the affected area before the project commenced and alleged that all stakeholders and local public representatives had not been adequately taken into confidence. They also raised concerns regarding the level of communication with present and former councillors on the project.
Local residents expressed apprehension that tunnel construction could potentially affect a large number of residential buildings. They pointed out that the area has steep slopes and that instability in one building or a particular portion of land could potentially affect other buildings located nearby.
Complaints regarding cracks in buildings in Shanti Vihar had also surfaced earlier. In September, the administration had decided to stop tunnel-related work and obtain a scientific and technical assessment from experts of IIT Roorkee.
Concern Over Distance Between Tunnel and Residential Buildings
Residents also raised serious questions regarding the distance between the tunnel and residential buildings. They claimed that at some locations the tunnel was passing extremely close to residential structures and demanded an independent technical assessment of the matter.
The safety of places having religious and social significance, including the Laxminarayan Temple, was also discussed. Residents said that the possible impact of the project on such sites, which are associated with the religious sentiments of the people, should also be assessed.
People demanded transparency in cases involving buildings and land acquired for the project and called for appropriate compensation for families whose properties have suffered damage or loss.
IIT Roorkee Team Conducting Geotechnical Study
NHAI officials explained that the concerned work has currently been stopped and that an expert team from IIT Roorkee is conducting a geotechnical study of the affected area.
The officials stated that further action would be taken after the technical report is received and the safety-related aspects are assessed.
The administration has also confirmed that the IIT Roorkee team is undertaking a scientific and technical assessment of the affected buildings and the possible impact of tunnel construction.
“People Spend Their Entire Lifetime Building a House”: Suresh Kashyap
Addressing the meeting, MP Suresh Kashyap said that for an individual, a house is not merely a building but represents a lifetime of hard work and one of the biggest assets of a family.
He said, “A person spends his entire lifetime building a house. If someone’s house is damaged or becomes uninhabitable, there can hardly be a greater loss for that person. Development is necessary, but the safety and lives of people are even more important.”
Suresh Kashyap said that he had already spoken with the Project Director and the Shimla Deputy Commissioner regarding the issue. After taking stock of the area, he said that the fear and apprehension among local residents needed to be taken seriously.
He emphasised that in any major infrastructure project, it is important to provide complete information to local residents, make them aware of the project and conduct public hearings wherever required.
“If the Survey Was Changed, Its Reasons Must Be Examined”: Kashyap
Suresh Kashyap questioned the authorities as to why the original survey or alignment had been changed, if such a change had indeed been made, and said that the reasons should be clearly placed before the people.
He said, “Our priority should be to ensure that no situation leading to a tragedy arises in Sanjauli in the future. If one building is affected, it is necessary to scientifically and technically examine what impact this could have on other buildings located behind or around it.”
He asked the authorities to provide clear answers to every question related to the safety of local residents and stressed that further work should proceed only on the basis of the findings and recommendations of technical experts.
Will Raise Issue of Compensation for Every Genuine Loss
Suresh Kashyap assured the affected residents that he would take up the matter with senior authorities. He said that the actual loss suffered by people due to damage to their properties should be properly assessed and efforts would be made to ensure relief and compensation to affected families as per the applicable rules.
He said, “I will take up this matter with senior officials and, if necessary, with the Union Minister as well. The actual loss suffered by people to their houses and property should be appropriately compensated.”
He also stressed the need to undertake restoration work in the affected area on a war footing and ensure that the entire process is carried out under the supervision of geologists, structural experts and other relevant technical specialists.
During the meeting, local residents also put pointed questions to NHAI officials and demanded that technical details related to the project, safety arrangements, survey, alignment and future action plan be made public.
Rajinder Chauhan, Keshav Chauhan, Karn Nanda, Reena and Asha from the BJP, along with other party workers and a large number of local residents, were present at the meeting.
Suresh Kashyap said that road and National Highway projects are important for development, but in every development project, human life, the safety of people’s homes and the confidence of local residents must remain the highest priorities.