The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has confirmed it is providing all possible aid to residents impacted by tunnelling activity in Shimla's Chalaunthi area. This comes after at least 15 families were forced to evacuate their homes on Friday night when a building developed significant cracks.
Survey Reveals Damage, Acquisition Process Initiated
In a detailed statement issued on Sunday, the NHAI disclosed that a building survey was conducted near the ongoing four-lane construction work on the Shimla bypass. The survey found minor to moderate cracks in structures adjacent to the project site. The authority has already begun the acquisition process for two nearby buildings. Compensation for one building has been announced, while the acquisition procedure for the second has been formally initiated.
Safety Measures and Monitoring Intensified
Addressing immediate safety concerns, the NHAI stated that the project concessionaire had previously installed bi-reflex targets to monitor building conditions. Additional bi-reflex targets are now being installed on nearby buildings, with instructions for continuous monitoring of their readings to detect any further movement or stress.
Furthermore, responding to local residents' anxieties, the concessionaire has been instructed not to carry out any blasting activities in densely populated zones as part of the tunnel construction. The final course of action will be determined based on the official survey report to guarantee resident safety.
Immediate Relief for Affected Families
The NHAI emphasized that ensuring public safety was the top priority. Consequently, the visibly damaged building was evacuated promptly. Alternative rental accommodation has been arranged for all the affected people displaced by the incident. The authority assures that appropriate steps will continue to be taken in consultation with the survey findings.
