Standing Together for Justice: Shimla Residents Unite Against Highway Construction Woes
A crucial gathering of residents affected by the four-lane highway construction from Kaithlighat to Dhalli will take place on July 7 at 11 AM at Kalibari Hall in Shimla. Organized by the Himachal Kisan Sabha, the convention aims to unite people from multiple panchayats—Kaithlighat, Basha, Shodhi, Anandpur, Kot, Pujarli, Mehli, Malyana, Chamyana, and Dhalli—who have endured the brunt of the project’s fallout.
Kuldeep Tanwar of the Kisan Sabha shared that the event will spotlight the hardships faced by locals, including reckless hill cutting, unfair compensation, and safety threats caused by construction companies. Residents of Chamyana and Dhalli have raised alarms over dangerous excavation and dumping, which have put lives at risk. A shocking example is the collapse of a five-storey building in Sanjay Van (Bhattakufar), blamed on Gawar Company’s negligence. Several other homes in the area were evacuated after cracks appeared, leaving families displaced. Similar damage in Lindi Dhar (Dhalli panchayat) forced more evacuations, deepening distress among villagers.
The Kisan Sabha accuses firms like Gawar, S.P. Singla, and Bharat Company of ignoring fair compensation and flouting regulations. Beyond land and home losses, locals report illegal mining, blocked roads, and broken promises of 80% local employment, leaving youth without jobs.
The Sabha urges all affected families to join the convention, emphasizing that only collective action can bring change. “Our voices must be heard—this is about our safety, our rights, and our future,” organizers stress.
This convention marks a pivotal moment for rural communities fighting for justice amid rapid infrastructure development in Himachal Pradesh. Will the authorities listen? The people are ready to make their stand clear.
