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Drilling of hills on NH-5 stretch sparks concern amid suspension of highway works

Sources added that the permission was granted for two to three locations as the weather is clear in the area for the last two-three days.

4 min readShimlaSep 6, 2025 12:06 PM IST

Experts note that slope protection is indeed a critical component of highway safety in hilly areas. (Express Photo)

At a time when incessant rains continue to batter Himachal Pradesh, the ongoing drilling of hills for the slope protection work along the Solan-Kaithlighat stretch of National Highway-05 (Kalka–Shimla) has raised concerns.

The work, linked to slope protection measures, is being carried out despite the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) announcing a suspension of all highway construction activities till September 15.

Sources said that the NHAI had initially ordered a construction halt till August 31 but later extended it till September 15 in view of heavy rainfall warnings issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA). The precautionary step was aimed at preventing mishaps such as landslides and structural collapses.

Despite this blanket suspension, drilling activity was observed at certain sites between Solan and Shimla. When contacted, NHAI Regional Officer Col Ajay Singh Bargoti said that though construction activities were asked to stop, however, special permission was granted for the drilling currently underway.

He said, “Following the recommendations of the Weather Department and the State Disaster Management Authority, we suspended all kinds of construction pertaining to the National Highways till September 15. I checked on the reported drilling between Solan and Shimla along the Solan-Kaithlighat stretch and I was informed that the private contractor had obtained permission to carry out slope protection work at two particularly vulnerable locations where the risk of landslides is imminent. The contractor secured approvals from both the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) and the SDMA.”

Sources added that the permission was granted for two to three locations as the weather is clear in the area for the last two-three days.

Solan Deputy Commissioner Manmohan Sharma said that they knew about the work of drilling on the hills for the slope protection under which iron meshes and green carpets were fixed on the vulnerable spots. “We banned the cutting of hills but exempted drilling work when orders were issued,” he said.

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The explanation, however, has not go down well with experts and activists who questioned the wisdom of allowing drilling work in the middle of monsoon. They argued that such activities destabilise the already fragile hills and can aggravate the risk of disasters.

Mahesh Thakur, assistant professor of Department of Geology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, said, “Cutting, drilling of hills should not continue during the monsoon. There are certain parameters of the slope protection work, including drilling but timing of these work should always be in the mind.”

Experts note that slope protection is indeed a critical component of highway safety in hilly areas. However, they stress that the timing and method of such interventions are crucial. Undertaking heavy drilling during peak monsoon, when the ground is already unstable, can prove counterproductive. Alternative measures such as bio-engineering, retaining walls, or temporary slope covering techniques are often recommended during this period.

Activist and retired IFS officer Kuldeep Singh Tanwar said, “After the collapse of a five-storey building near Bhattakuffar in Shimla, where a private company engaged by NHAI was cutting the hillside, the authority had wisely suspended all construction work during the monsoon. If drilling is still being allowed anywhere, it should be stopped immediately. There are safer methods to stabilise slopes during rainy season. Mechanical drilling weakens the rock strata and can trigger slides in already saturated soil.”

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However, NHAI officials maintained that the sites where slope protection work was completed witnessed the less landslides.

The NHAI had started the slope protection work using green mesh netting, standard drilling, and anchoring at 83 vulnerable sites along a 60-km stretch between Parwanoo (Solan) and Kathlighat (Shimla) in 2024.

Of these, 81 sites are on hill slopes, and two—Chakki Mod and Datyar—are on valley. The work, estimated at Rs 200 crore, is scheduled to be completed by March 2026.

The Kalka–Shimla highway is among the busiest mountain routes in the state, serving as the lifeline between the plains and the state capital. It has been repeatedly hit by landslides in recent years, leading to traffic blockages and endangering lives. In August alone, multiple incidents of road cave-ins and hill collapses were reported in the region, resulting in the loss of property and disruptions to connectivity.

Saurabh Parashar

Saurabh Parashar is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, primarily responsible for the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh. He is a seasoned journalist with over 17 years of experience in print media, specializing in crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting. Professional Background Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. This legal background significantly informs his reporting on complex judicial and administrative matters. Career Path: Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he spent 12 years with The Times of India. Core Beats: His primary focus is the socio-political landscape of the hill state, with a specific emphasis on the environment, forest conservation, drug menace (specifically "Chitta"), affairs related to tribal and archaeology and the unique challenges of governance in high-altitude regions. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His recent reporting highlights the critical intersection of policy, law, and social safety in Himachal Pradesh: 1. "Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable" (Late 2025): An investigative look at the transit routes from Punjab and the impact on local youth. 2. "Shimla ropeway clears key hurdle as 820 trees face the axe :According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 assessment, 47.21 percent of Shimla’s 5,131 sq km geographical area is under forest cover (Nov 17, 2025). 3. "Himachal to handover 2.7427 ha of non-forest land for Shimla Ropeway: Given the land’s non-forest nature, RTDC and the state will not require permission from MoEFCC" (Nov 18, 2025) 4. "How the centuries-old Jodidara tradition is fading in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region: Jodidara: a form of fraternal polyandry—has long been part of Hatti tribal culture in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Uttarakhand. It is believed to have evolved to prevent division of ancestral land and maintain unity among brothers in the harsh, mountainous terrain" (Aug 18, 2025) Legal & Agricultural Affairs "Kisan Sabha hails SC’s setting aside Himachal HC order to remove orchards from forest land" (Dec 18, 2025): Covering a major Supreme Court victory for farmers, where a High Court order to remove fruit-bearing apple orchards was overturned. "Himachal Cabinet nod to new tourism policy; focus on home-stays in tribal areas" (Dec 11, 2025): Detailing the legislative push to decentralize tourism and bring economic benefits to Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. 3. Governance & Environment "Forest rights and development: Why Himachal is seeking more leeway from Centre" (Dec 19, 2025): Reporting on the legal hurdles faced by the state in infrastructure projects due to the Forest Conservation Act. "Cloudbursts and resilience: How Himachal’s remote villages are building back better" (Nov 2025): Following up on the long-term rehabilitation efforts after monsoon-related disasters. Crime especially cyber crimes, crypto currency etc: crypto currency: "Agents in uniform, motivational speeches, lavish parties: How a Himachal crypto con went unnoticed:A serial conman, a ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award winner', and retired policemen got together to pull off a Rs 1,740-crore fraud" (Nov 10, 2023) Signature Beats Saurabh is recognized for his tenacious reporting on the state's drug epidemic. His deep familiarity with the topography and tribal culture of Himachal allows him to report from remote locations like Spiti, Pangi, Shillai, which are often overlooked by national media. His legal expertise makes him a primary choice for covering the Himachal Pradesh High Court on issues ranging from local body elections to environmental PILs. X (Twitter): @saurabh_prashar . ... Read More

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