HP High Court seeks MoRTH, NHAI Affidavit over drainage failures on Theog-Hatkoti highway
Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source internet
Shimla, July 14,
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has pulled up the authorities over persistent drainage issues plaguing the Theog-Hatkoti-Rohru National Highway, directing the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to submit a detailed affidavit identifying causes, responsibilities, and rectification plans.
The directive came on July 10 from the division bench of Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia and Justice Ranjan Sharma during the hearing of a suo motu public interest litigation initiated over frequent waterlogging and overflow of rainwater due to choked or damaged roadside drains. The Court found the affidavit submitted by the Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department (PWD) inadequate, lacking specifics on blockage locations, repair status, and restoration approvals.
According to the affidavit by the Superintending Engineer of the NH Circle in Shimla, the region has witnessed significant infrastructural damage caused by landslides and falling debris, which have not only blocked drains but also damaged key retaining walls. However, the Court noted that while some restoration work had commenced with partial approvals from the Centre, the reply failed to clearly mention which sections were under repair and which were pending sanction.
The bench observed that the drainage failure is not restricted to the Theog-Hatkoti stretch but is also impacting the Theog-Shimla route—raising serious safety concerns due to rainwater accumulation on metal roads, increasing the risk of accidents.
Coming down heavily on the vague response, the Court ordered that a fresh and comprehensive affidavit be submitted. It must clearly identify the responsible agencies for various stretches of the highway and provide an action plan for clearing and repairing the drainage systems. Taking a further step, the Court also impleaded the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways as a party in the matter to ensure accountability from the central authority.
Deputy Solicitor General Balram Sharma and Advocate Rajeev Sharma represented the Union Government, while Assistant Engineer Shiv Vardan appeared on behalf of the HP PWD.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on August 7, with the Court expecting a clearer roadmap for mitigating waterlogging risks on the key highway that connects interior Shimla district regions to the state capital.
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