Negligent tunnelling sparks public mobilisation in Shimla, protest rally on October 16**

himachaleditor October 11, 2026 3 minutes read

Shimla, October 11

Alleging that unscientific excavation and tunnelling for highway construction have endangered homes and public safety, residents and citizens’ groups in Shimla are preparing to launch a mass movement against the proposed twin tunnel in Sanjauli, with a protest rally scheduled for October 16.

A joint meeting of the Twin Tunnel Affected Joint Struggle Committee and Shimla Citizens’ Assembly in Sanjauli on Sunday unanimously opposed the proposed tunnel, declaring that its construction in the fragile Himalayan terrain would not be acceptable under any circumstances.

Environmental expert Dr Om Prakash Bhureta cautioned that indiscriminate construction in the geologically sensitive region could threaten human lives, property and the environment.

He alleged that the authorities had failed to take local residents into confidence and ensure transparent public hearings as required under the applicable rules.

The meeting cited damage to houses and agricultural land in Chamiyana and Matu Colony during four-lane construction, alleging that affected residents had not received adequate compensation. The participants warned that the proposed tunnel could aggravate concerns over ground stability and the safety of residential areas.

In a joint statement, representatives of the two organisations said the issue extended beyond Shanti Vihar and Bhattakufar, potentially affecting the wider Sanjauli area. They claimed that cracks in houses and fears over structural safety had prompted some tenants to vacate rented accommodation, affecting landlords’ rental earnings and local businesses.

Also ReadShimla four-lane construction halted after road caves in near Bhattakufar; administration seeks detailed report, residents demand accountability

Drawing a parallel with the devastation caused by land subsidence in Joshimath, the organisations cautioned against allowing a similar situation to develop in Sanjauli. They maintained that public safety must take precedence over construction targets and that development could not be pursued at the cost of residents’ lives and property.

The October 16 rally, they said, would be non-political and open to citizens irrespective of their caste, religion or political affiliation. The organisations described it as the beginning of a wider campaign to protect Sanjauli from what they termed arbitrary construction practices and administrative negligence.

The organisations have demanded an immediate halt to the proposed twin tunnel, a fresh and transparent public hearing in the affected areas, and the public release of the investigation report prepared by the administration.

They have also questioned the decision to pursue a new alignment when land had reportedly been acquired and compensation paid on the basis of an earlier survey. Seeking accountability for the use of public funds, they have demanded disclosure of the technical justification for any change in alignment, its implications for public safety and the additional expenditure involved.

The organisations further demanded a survey of areas affected by four-lane and tunnel construction by government agencies and recognised expert institutions, prompt compensation for families whose houses have collapsed or developed cracks, and immediate settlement of pending compensation claims.

The meeting concluded that the proposed rally would seek to unite residents against the tunnel project until their concerns over safety, transparency and accountability were addressed.