Shimla Forms Panel to Probe Four-Lane Tunnel Work After Building Cracks
Shimla administration forms a committee to check tunnel construction status after reports of cracks in buildings caused by blasting.
The Shimla district administration has stepped in to address growing concerns over the Shimla four-lane tunnel construction, constituting a special committee to inspect the project's current status on October 22. This move comes after residents reported cracks appearing in their homes, which they allege are the direct result of blasting activities carried out during the construction of the tunnel connecting Sanjauli, Bhattakufar, and Dhalli.
Tensions Rise Over Structural Damage
The situation escalated during a meeting held on Saturday, where Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap met with representatives of the Four-Lane Affected Committee. The residents expressed deep frustration over the alleged non-compliance of construction companies with the guidelines issued by the district administration to prevent damage to residential properties.
During the deliberations, officials confirmed that work on the tunnel had been officially suspended. This halt was triggered by reports of structural damage to buildings in the vicinity, which were attributed to the vibrations and impact of blasting operations.
IIT Roorkee to Provide Technical Assessment
To ensure a scientific and unbiased evaluation of the damage, the administration has engaged a team of experts from IIT Roorkee. The technical team has already conducted a field visit to the tunnel site and the surrounding residential areas.
The experts are expected to submit a comprehensive assessment report within a week. District officials have stated that any future decisions regarding the resumption or modification of the tunnel construction will be based entirely on the findings of the IIT Roorkee report.
Allegations of Unauthorized Work
Despite the official suspension of the project, the Four-Lane Affected Committee raised a serious allegation: that the construction company has continued to carry out work unauthorizedly. This claim of defiance has prompted the Deputy Commissioner to take immediate action to verify the ground reality.
Composition of the Inspection Committee
To investigate whether work continued despite the ban, a high-level committee has been formed under the chairmanship of two Additional District Magistrates. The panel consists of:
- The Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Shimla Rural
- The Executive Engineer, Public Works Department (Kasumpti Division)
- The Tehsildar, Shimla Rural
This committee is mandated to visit the site on October 22 and submit a detailed report on the actual status of the construction work.
Key Officials Involved
The high-stakes meeting was attended by several key administrators, including Additional District Magistrate (Law and Order) Pankaj Sharma, Additional District Magistrate (Protocol) Gyan Sagar Negi, and District Revenue Officer Shivani Bhardwaj, alongside the representatives of the aggrieved residents.