Himachal's Road to Ruin: Negligence on Shimla-Chandigarh Highway Sparks Outrage

Shooting stones and debris continue to plague the Shimla-Chandigarh road in Himachal Pradesh, leading to massive traffic jams and public distress. CPI(M) leader Tikender Singh Panwar has called upon the police to hold officials accountable for what he terms as 'criminal neglect' by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

Panwar's letter, addressed to the Superintendent of Police in Solan, lamented the ongoing inaction despite a previous complaint in July 2023. Highlighting the repeated devastation caused by monsoon rains, he criticized the NHAI's failure to implement scientifically sound construction measures despite their capabilities.

The letter demands fresh investigations and accountability for both economic and physical losses incurred by locals and travelers. Panwar mentioned over 60 incidents of landslides have been reported since the Parwanoo-Solan four-laning project began, severely affecting farmers and commuters alike.

(With inputs from agencies.)