The Shimla district administration has stopped the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) from continuing work on the twin-tube tunnel after a large depression appeared on the Mehli–Dhali Road. Continuous leakage and structural cracks have also been found in several nearby houses, raising serious safety concerns.
As a precaution after the recent landslide at Bhattakufar, the district administration in Shimla has ordered a halt to all excavation, blasting and related construction work on the tunnel being built under National Highway-05 (Shimla Bypass Package-II).
Shimla District Magistrate Anupam Kashyap has written to the NHAI Project Director, urging him to stop all work immediately until further notice.
The administration also has temporarily withdrawn the blasting permit issued to M/s Gawar, Shimla Highway Private Ltd.
An initial inspection at the site by the Geological Branch found a large depression on the Mehli–Dhali Road and cracks in the rock mass. The team also noted persistent leakage, exposed utilities and structural cracks in several homes nearby.
The report further states that the axis of the twin-tube tunnel under construction lies beneath the affected area, and the impact of excavation at this depth cannot be ignored. Based on these initial observations, a detailed geotechnical and geophysical study by a specialised agency like the Geological Survey of India (GSI) is required to identify the exact cause of the landslide.
“Considering public safety and risk to nearby residential buildings, along with the Geological Branch’s recommendations, all tunnelling, excavation, blasting and related construction on the twin-tube tunnel at Bhattakufar has been stopped with immediate effect until further orders,” he said.
The district administration has instructed officials to continuously monitor the affected zone for new cracks, landslides or seepage. It has also asked for proper safety measures and barricades to prevent any mishap. Kashyap added that the NHAI must follow the instructions strictly, and any violation will lead to legal action.
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