Shimla: Shimla MP Suresh Kashyap has sought a comprehensive technical review of the under-construction Chalonthi-Bhattakufar twin-tunnel project following concerns raised by residents over building cracks, tunnel alignment, safety and compensation.
At a meeting in Shanti Vihar, Sanjauli, residents questioned the project’s original survey and present alignment and demanded an independent geotechnical assessment. NHAI officials said the work has been stopped for now and an IIT Roorkee team is conducting a technical study.
Kashyap said people’s safety must remain the priority in any development project. He questioned the reported changes in the survey or alignment and called for the reasons to be made public.
He assured residents that he would raise the matter with senior authorities and, if required, the Union Minister. He also sought proper assessment and compensation for genuine losses and called for restoration work in affected areas to be carried out on a war footing under the supervision of technical experts.
“Development is necessary, but people’s lives and safety are more important,” Kashyap said.
