Forest department files FIR against NHAI over massive Shimla landslide

Shimla, July 5,

An FIR filed by the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department has once again exposed the growing gulf between environmental regulations and ground realities. The report squarely blames the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for a massive landslide that devastated government forest land and private property near Chamiyana on June 30. Yet, as with similar incidents in the past, it remains uncertain whether post enquiry of this matter anyone — contractor or official — will face consequences?

The forest officer who filed the complaint, Ajeet Kumar, has laid out damning evidence: nearly 8,550 square metres of protected land were lost, eight trees were uprooted, and a private building was reduced to rubble. The estimated ecological loss runs into over ₹2.14 crore. The landslide occurred beside the under-construction Shimla four-lane highway — a project under NHAI’s supervision.

According to the FIR, the hill cutting for the highway was not just careless, it was outright negligent. It suggests that the disaster could have been avoided had proper engineering and safety measures been followed. Worse still, a video shows continued illegal muck dumping under the Dhalli near flyover stretch of the same project, pointing to an ongoing pattern rather than a one-off oversight.

The question haunting environmentalists and residents alike is simple: Why is no action being taken? The FIR names NHAI’s Project Director in Shimla, but no arrests, inquiries, or penalties have followed. Though the forest department has lodged a FIR now but so far, there’s little indication that anyone in the administrative hierarchy has been moved, let alone held accountable.

This isn’t the first time the four-lane project has faced criticism. Across Himachal, poorly supervised road works have led to hill destabilization, property loss, and recurring landslides. In 2023, former Deputy Mayor of Shimla Tikender Panwar had also lodged a FIR against NHAI over such issues. Despite this, the NHAI and its contractors continue work at breakneck speed, seemingly shielded from legal or regulatory fallout.

Even a environmental activist Nathuram Chauhan has been repeatedly bringing to light issues related to illegal muck dumping taking place in areas of Sirmaur during construction of NH 707 Poanta Sahib to Shillai. In this matter even the NGT has taken note and ordered a enquiry. Also read: https://himachalscape.com/nh-707-blasting-permission-revoked-following-complaints-and-scrutiny/

Legal experts note that under Sections 32 and 33 of the Indian Forest Act, causing damage to forest land is a punishable offence. This current FIR also invokes Section 324(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

So far no official statements have been issued by the enforcement agencies over this FIR. This silence underscores what many in the region have long feared — that perhaps, accountability in mega projects is optional. And if the pattern holds, this FIR may too will join a growing list of complaints that never see a courtroom.

Until that changes, the Himalayan forests, and the people who depend on them, remain dangerously unprotected.

(This report is based on official records and publicly available information. The persons or agencies named have the right to respond or clarify, and their statements will be included as and when received)

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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.

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Himachalscape bureau

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.