Cracks in Shimla Homes Spark Concern Over Tunnel Construction
The growing appearance of cracks in several residential buildings in Shimla’s Sanjauli area has triggered concern among residents and political leaders, with the CPI(M) urging authorities to immediately review the ongoing tunnel construction work and assess its impact on public safety.
In a statement issued in Shimla, CPI(M) state secretary Sanjay Chauhan claimed that 10 to 12 buildings in Shanti Vihar have developed visible cracks allegedly linked to the construction of twin tunnels being built as part of a four-lane highway project. He said the damage appears to be worsening with each passing day, raising fears among local residents.
According to Chauhan, Shanti Vihar and neighboring Bhattakuffer are densely populated areas where more than 300 buildings and nearly 4,000 residents, including homeowners, tenants, and small business owners, could potentially be affected if construction continues without a proper safety assessment.
The party has demanded that both the Central and Himachal Pradesh governments conduct a comprehensive vulnerability study of the area, halt tunnel construction until the assessment is completed, and provide adequate compensation to families whose properties have already suffered damage.
Chauhan also questioned the planning process behind the project. He alleged that while the original highway alignment involved land acquisition between Bhattakuffer and Dhalli, the route was later altered in favor of tunnel construction through densely populated neighborhoods. He claimed the revised alignment was implemented without public consultation or hearings involving affected residents.
The CPI(M) maintains that infrastructure development should not come at the cost of public safety and livelihoods, and has called for greater transparency and scientific evaluation before further construction work proceeds in the area.
