Claims environmental violations, collusion in Sirmaur highway project
TNR News Network
SHIMLA: In a fresh salvo against Union Minister Nitin Gadkari-headed National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Himachal Pradesh’s Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Minister Anirudh Singh has accused the agency of large-scale irregularities in the construction of National Highway-707 in Sirmaur district.
Addressing a press conference at the state Secretariat in Shimla, the minister alleged that construction was carried out without mandatory departmental and environmental clearances, leading to extensive damage during the monsoon season.
Anirudh Singh claimed that illegal blasting and unregulated dumping of debris had caused massive losses to public and private property, running into thousands of crores.
Claims ignoring repeated complaints about unlawful practices
Anirudh Singh said the NHAI had been “suppressing the voice of common citizens” and ignoring repeated complaints about unlawful practices. “Construction companies and officials have worked hand in glove to violate norms,” he said, alleging a deep nexus responsible for the current state of affairs.
He specifically pointed out violations of the Forest Conservation Act (FCA), saying that illegal hill cutting had been carried out without prior permissions — and payments were made against unauthorised bills. “It’s a serious case of corruption and negligence,” Anirudh Singh asserted, adding that the state government would initiate a thorough investigation and ensure that no guilty party goes unpunished.
The minister also confirmed that multiple FIRs had already been filed in connection with the NH-707 project in Sirmaur but lamented the lack of action so far. He vowed that the government would now fast-track these cases and ensure accountability.
Minister to take issue back to Gadkari
Minister Anirudh Singh did not mince words when referencing Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, stating that multiple complaints and documentation regarding the irregularities had already been submitted to him, but the issues remained unaddressed.
He said the matter would once again be raised with Gadkari, and all evidence would be resubmitted. “This is not an isolated incident. Similar violations have surfaced in Shahpur (Kangra) and Kullu-Manali,” he said.
Accompanying the minister at the press conference was a resident from Sirmaur who recounted the damage caused to his home and property due to “reckless and unscientific highway construction.”
Minister’s earlier clash with NHAI official
This isn’t the first time Anirudh Singh has locked horns with the NHAI. Just last month, the minister was accused of physically assaulting an NHAI official following the collapse of a five-storey building in Bhattakufar, near Sanjauli in Shimla. The incident stirred political controversy and led to the filing of a police case.
Despite the backlash, Singh has continued his campaign against what he describes as “institutionalised negligence and corruption” in national highway projects in Himachal Pradesh.
