NGT investigates alleged irregularities in National Highway 707 construction
Locals protesting against the construction company in presence of the inspection team
Shimla, Mar 23
A committee comprising representatives from five departments, convened under the directive of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), recently conducted an inspection of the under-construction National Highway 707 falling under Shimla and Sirmour districts of the State. Shockingly, the inspection revealed significant irregularities in the construction work conducted by the Dhatarwal Construction Company, stated social activist Nathuram Chauhan.
He said that during the inspection, company employees failed to provide satisfactory explanations to the administrative teams regarding the identified irregularities. Consequently, company officials faced severe reprimands for their negligence.
Pertinent to mention that this discovery of widespread corruption come forward due to numerous complaints lodged by social organizations and local residents regarding fraudulent practices in the construction process. Concerns were raised about unscientific dumping of excavated soil along the National Highway, prompting a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) to be filed with the NGT.
On a recent visit, a team appointed by the NGT, led by ADC Shimla, investigated the reported illegal dumping sites. Reportedly the team encountered vehement opposition from local residents, particularly in the Gumma market area. Protestors accused the Dhatarwal Construction Company of engaging in large-scale corruption and improper dumping practices, resulting in the destruction of local properties, including lands, houses, link roads, and irrigation canals. The condition of the road leading to a local school was particularly deplorable, exacerbating community grievances.
In a display of frustration and anger, locals chanted slogans against the Dhatarwal Construction Company, branding them as thieves (‘Dhatarwal Chor Hai’). The project director of the National Highway Authority also faced the wrath of the aggrieved locals, who demanded answers regarding the alleged corruption.
The investigation committee, equally outraged by the discovered irregularities, condemned the actions as gross injustice and environmental crimes. ADC Ajit Bhardwaj emphasized the severe environmental damage caused by these actions and pledged to submit a comprehensive report to the NGT promptly.
Noteworthy that Social activist Nathuram Chauhan played a pivotal role in exposing these irregularities by filing a complaint with the NGT, highlighting environmental harm and unscientific dumping practices. In response, the NGT constituted a committee chaired by officials from Shimla and Sirmaur, tasked with investigating the matter and submitting a report to the NGT for further action.
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