Preneeta Sharma
Shimla, Feb 21
The allegations of large-scale illegal encroachment and unauthorized excavation have rocked Shakti Vihar near Panthaghati, with a local resident accusing certain individuals of carrying out land cutting and road construction without mandatory permissions — allegedly under the nose of the authorities.
In a formal complaint submitted to the police, the complainant has alleged that his private plot has been adversely affected by deep excavation and land alteration activities undertaken by nearby individuals. The complaint states that no official permission, survey approval, mining clearance, or No Objection Certificate (NOC) was obtained before initiating the work.
According to the complaint, excavation was carried out to a depth of nearly 15 feet, significantly increasing the vulnerability of the adjoining private land. The complainant has alleged that the digging has destabilized the natural support of his plot, creating a potential safety hazard in the hilly terrain.
He further claimed that an access road was illegally carved out by cutting through adjoining land, allegedly without revenue demarcation or approval from the concerned departments. The activity, he alleged, amounts to unauthorized mining and encroachment on land falling under specific khasra numbers.
Locals have raised concerns that unchecked cutting of hills in the fragile Shimla region could trigger soil erosion and increase the risk of landslides, particularly during the monsoon season. “If such deep excavation continues without regulation, it could lead to serious environmental and structural consequences,” a resident of the area said.
The complaint also questions the role of enforcement agencies, alleging that such activities could not have continued without either negligence or lack of monitoring by the concerned authorities. The complainant has demanded an immediate site inspection, verification of land records, and strict legal action against those responsible.
So far, there has been no official confirmation regarding action taken on the complaint. However, the allegations have once again brought into focus the issue of illegal land cutting and encroachment in Shimla’s rapidly expanding residential pockets.
Authorities are expected to initiate an inquiry to ascertain the facts and determine whether violations of land, mining, and municipal laws have occurred.
The situation remains tense as residents await administrative intervention.
