NH-707 Dispute Escalates: Villagers Protest Against Water Damage and Land Encroachment
The controversy surrounding National Highway 707 (NH-707) refuses to settle. Initially plagued by allegations of illegal dumping, unauthorized blasting, and unregulated land cutting, the project now faces fresh opposition from locals.
Residents of Kamaru and nearby villages have accused the construction work of damaging vital water sources and encroaching on private land. In a show of anger, villagers filed official complaints today with the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Paonta Sahib, NH-707 Green Corridor authorities, and Industry Minister Harsh Vardhan Chauhan. They have warned that if their concerns are not addressed soon, they will launch an agitation.
Villagers Demand Immediate Action
A delegation comprising Balbir Singh, Dinesh, Surat Singh, Hakam Singh, Sanjeev Thakur, Kalyan Singh, Anil Kumar, and Satpal Singh met with the SDM and the minister, urging them to resolve the issue before the situation escalates further.
Responding to these growing concerns, the District Magistrate’s Office in Sirmaur has revoked the approval for controlled blasting on NH-707. This swift decision comes after social worker Nathu Ram Chauhan raised objections, leading to an intervention from the Chief Secretary of Himachal Pradesh.
Government Orders Strict Monitoring of Blasting Activities
In an official order dated February 19, 2025, the Additional District Magistrate (ADM) of Sirmaur directed the SDM of Kaffota to ensure strict adherence to safety guidelines for all blasting activities. To maintain transparency, the complainant Nathu Ram Chauhan has been asked to be involved in every step of the inquiry.
Referring to previous concerns raised by the District Magistrate’s Office on February 18, 2025, the directive highlights the urgent need to verify compliance with safety norms. Any violations must be promptly reported, with necessary action taken to safeguard both residents and the environment.
National Green Tribunal Also Reviewing the Issue
Social activist Nathu Ram Chauhan had earlier written to the State Government, demanding an immediate halt to all blasting activities. Citing guidelines from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), he emphasized the potential risks to human lives and the environment. His appeal also called for strict action against officials who approved these activities, despite the matter being under review by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
With tensions rising and government intervention intensifying, the NH-707 controversy continues to unfold. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether authorities can find a resolution that balances development with environmental and community concerns.
