Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source Internet
Shimla, July 7,
A convention of people affected by the Kiarighat-Dhali four-lane project was held at Kalibari Hall, Shimla, on Monday.
The event, jointly organised by the Himachal Kisan Sabha, CITU, and other organisations, saw participation from over 200 people across nine panchayats, who demanded immediate compensation, rehabilitation, and an expert assessment of the damage caused by the project.
The convention prominently raised the issue of the recent demolition of a house in Bhattakufar and six other adjacent houses declared unsafe. Speakers demanded the formation of an expert committee, comprising state and central engineers, to assess the structural damage, preferably under judicial supervision.
Addressing the gathering, Kisan Sabha State President Dr. Kuldeep Singh Tanwar said the four-lane construction was affecting people across the state, not just Shimla. “Himachal has a large number of small and marginal farmers whose lands are being acquired in the name of development without fair compensation,” he said, demanding that landowners be compensated under Factor 2 instead of Factor 1, in line with a recent High Court verdict.
He pointed out that though 45–55 metres of land is officially acquired for the four-lane, hill cutting at steep angles up to 90 degrees is destabilising nearby areas and triggering landslides. “Illegal dumping of debris is damaging pastures, fields, and water sources, yet no authority addresses these issues,” Tanwar added.
Former Shimla Mayor Sanjay Chauhan called for intensified struggle and announced a protest at the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) office in Chakkar on July 16. “We must organise if we want our voices heard,” Chauhan said, adding that grassroots meetings would be held in the affected panchayats in the coming days.
Kasumpti Kisan Sabha Secretary Jaishiv Thakur also addressed the convention. Representatives from affected families and various organisations, including Ranjana Verma, Brijlal, Yogesh Verma, Jagmohan Thakur, Sonia Sabarwal, and others, marked their presence in solidarity.
The convention resolved to intensify the movement against unscientific road construction and demand justice for affected communities.
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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
