In a rush to clear the roads, NHAI throws debris downhill into river on Kalka-Shimla highway

During a visit to the Parwanoo-Koti-Dharampur Section on the Kalka-Shimla highway, tippers were observed unloading debris and boulders towards the valley and downstream Kaushalya river. This material rolled down into the valley, affecting the river's flow.

Written by Saurabh Parashar

Kalka | Updated: July 20, 2023 09:31 AM IST

2 min read

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The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) is clearing the landslide materials from the severely damaged Kalka-Shimla Express Highway, but concerns have arisen about the disposal of mud, soil, boulders, and landslide materials. During a visit to the Parwanoo-Koti-Dharampur Section on the Kalka-Shimla highway, tippers were observed unloading debris and boulders towards the valley and downstream Kaushalya river. This material rolled down into the valley, affecting the river’s flow.

NHAI, through several contractors, is working to clear the blockages and restore connectivity. They explain that the material is temporarily being dumped on the valley side due to blockage at their dumping sites and the need to restore damaged carriageways. Once the carriageways are completely filled and the dumping sites are restored, the remaining material will be shifted back to the proper dumping sites. The Kalka-Shimla Express Highway reportedly suffered damage at around 55 locations, with five locations facing significant losses.

A truck driver mentions that they are only following instructions and it would be challenging to bring the materials back to the dumping sites from downstream areas.

A national-level team from Delhi has come to Solan today for inspecting the operation. (Express photo)

The Parwanoo-Koti-Dharampur section is one of the most affected areas during the recent heavy rainfall in the region, resulting in road sinking and blockages, along with the washing away of two carriageways.

Also read | Portion of Chennai-Kolkata NH bridge collapses in Odisha

Deputy Commissioner, Solan, Man Mohan Sharma, said, “The repair of the damaged patches, carriageways on the national highway is underway. We will check the manner in which the waste material is being disposed of. A national-level team from Delhi has come to Solan today for inspecting the operation. We will also check with Express highway staff.'”

Saurabh Parashar

Saurabh Parashar is a journalist with The Indian Express, where he primarily covers developments in Himachal Pradesh. He has been associated with The Indian Express since 2017 and has earlier worked with The Times of India. He has 17 year + experience in the field of print journalism. An alumnus of Government College for Men, Sector 11, (Panjab University), Chandigarh, Saurabh holds a Diploma in Journalism from Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan, Chandigarh. He pursued his Master’s in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology, Hisar. In addition, he completed his law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. ... Read More

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National Highway Authority of India NHAI