Former Deputy Mayor of Shimla, Tikender Singh Panwar, has filed a criminal complaint with the Parwanoo Police Station against the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and its associates. He accuses them of using unscientific methods during the construction of a four-lane national highway between Parwanoo and Solan in Himachal Pradesh (HP).
According to Panwar, this has resulted in damage to the natural ecosystem and has caused significant loss of human lives and assets in the state, particularly during the recent monsoon fury that left a trail of destruction, death, and injury.
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However, Panwar claims that there has been no progress in the investigation of his complaint by the Parwanoo police. He believes that an unbiased investigation can only be conducted by a Special Investigating Team (SIT) and, as such, he plans to demand the setting up of an SIT by the Himachal Pradesh government to look into the matter.
Additionally, Panwar intends to request a Special Commission of Inquiry to be established, headed by a retired Supreme Court judge preferably from Himachal Pradesh. This commission would be tasked with examining all aspects of the damage and destruction caused by the recent rain fury in the state.
As of now, the Solan police department has reportedly called for records from NHAI but has not registered an FIR in connection with Panwar’s complaint. With no apparent action taken by the police, Panwar is seeking further investigation by an independent SIT and a high-level commission to hold NHAI accountable for the alleged damages and losses in Himachal Pradesh.
