Shimla, July 3,
In the wake of the collapse of a five-storey building in Bhattakufar and rising concerns over the impact of the four-laning project, the Shimla district administration has launched a comprehensive review of the construction work from Kaithlighat to Dhali. A high-level meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap on Thursday led to the formation of two committees to investigate the incident and assess the status of the highway construction.
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A committee headed by Additional District Magistrate (Law and Order) Pankaj Sharma has been tasked with probing the reasons behind the Bhattakufar building collapse. The committee will submit a detailed report highlighting the cause of the incident, the extent of damage, and possible threat to adjoining structures. It will also recommend appropriate assistance measures for affected families.
Simultaneously, a second 12-member committee chaired by ADM (Protocol) Jyoti Rana has been constituted to assess the ongoing four-lane construction work from Kaithlighat—the entry point of Shimla district—to Dhali. The committee includes representatives from the Public Works Department, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), police, the construction company, and other stakeholders. It will verify whether construction norms are being followed and identify any areas rendered sensitive or vulnerable due to excavation and dumping activities.
The Deputy Commissioner has directed that NHAI must submit a detailed report within two days. This report should mention when the consultant flagged threats from the construction work and what remedial actions were taken in response. The construction company must also report on adherence to regulatory guidelines and land acquisition details related to the four-lane project.
Highlighting the risk to nearby homes, Kashyap stated that a drone survey is underway to identify potentially hazardous areas, particularly around dumping sites. NHAI and the contractor have been instructed to inspect all dumping sites to prevent erosion or landslides during the monsoon season.
The administration also discussed concerns raised by around 20 families affected by the project. Their demands include financial relief, provision of rent, and structural safety for partially damaged homes. The Deputy Commissioner directed NHAI officials to address these concerns and instructed the Public Works Department to assess damage to affected buildings to facilitate compensation.
Senior officials including Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Gandhi, ADM Pankaj Sharma, ADM Jyoti Rana, ASP Navdeep Singh, District Revenue Officer Sanjeet Sharma, Geologist Gaurav Sharma, Deputy Manager NHAI Sumit Bansal, Gawar Construction Project Manager Jitendra Kumar, and officers from Municipal Corporation, Public Works Department and Forest Department were present during the meeting.
