Court Takes Action on Cracked Homes: Tunneling Allegations in Himachal Pradesh

The Himachal Pradesh High Court has issued notices to MAX Infra (India) Private Limited, Dilip Buildcon Limited, and other respondents in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the safety of tunneling work for the Bhanupali-Bilaspur-Beri railway line. Filed by Bilaspur social worker Rajnish Sharma, the PIL demands the respondents' answers within four weeks.

The division bench, consisting of Chief Justice GS Sandhawalia and Justice Ranjan Sharma, scheduled the subsequent hearing for August 13, 2025. The petition claims that villagers' homes have developed severe cracks due to what is described as "unscientific" tunneling practices, posing imminent threats to both lives and property.

A Joint Inspection Report places the activity in a geologically unstable area, risking further damage or collapse. The PIL seeks the halting of construction and proper rehabilitation of affected families amid claims of negligent blasting and insufficient structural support.

(With inputs from agencies.)