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The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on Sunday assured all possible assistance to residents of Chalaunthi village in Shimla after cracks were observed in buildings near the under-construction four-lane Shimla bypass.
According to NHAI officials, cracks were observed late on the night of January 9 in a building near the ongoing highway construction. Following the incident, a joint building survey was conducted by NHAI authorities, during which minor to moderate cracks were found in the affected structure. NHAI said that the acquisition process of two nearby buildings was already underway. Compensation for one building has been announced, while the acquisition proceedings for the second structure have been initiated. To closely monitor the impact of construction activities, the project concessionaire had earlier installed bi-reflex targets for building condition surveys and has now been directed to install additional targets on surrounding buildings and continuously monitor their readings. Residents of the area have raised concerns about blasting activities for tunnel construction under the project. While NHAI maintained that controlled blasting was being undertaken in accordance with prescribed norms, it said that, in view of public concerns, the concessionaire has been instructed not to conduct any blasting in densely populated areas. "Based on the survey report, appropriate and suitable action will be taken to ensure the safety of residents," NHAI said, adding that the affected building had already been evacuated as a precautionary measure. Alternative rental accommodation has been arranged for the displaced families to ensure their safety and welfare. Cracks have recently developed in several houses and sections of roads in Chalaunthi, in the Sanjauli area of Shimla, raising concerns among local residents. The damage was reported near an under-construction tunnel and a four-lane national highway project being executed by the NHAI. Families living in the area had expressed apprehensions that excavation and blasting work could further destabilise the hillside, prompting demands for immediate inspections, rehabilitation measures and suspension of blasting in residential zones. NHAI reiterated that it is providing all possible assistance to the affected people and is closely monitoring the situation to prevent any further risk to life and property. (ANI)
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