An FIR Doesn’t Prove Guilt; NHAI-Contractor Nexus Responsible for Hazardous Construction in Himachal: Anirudh Singh
Shimla, July 2: Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh has strongly denied allegations of assaulting an NHAI official, stating that the registration of an FIR does not equate to guilt. Countering the claims, Singh alleged that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is among the most corrupt departments in the country and is operating hand-in-glove with contractors. He claimed that this deep-rooted nexus is behind the dangerous and life-threatening construction practices currently underway in Himachal Pradesh.
“NHAI is carrying out road and four-lane construction in unscientific and unsafe ways, leading to repeated loss of life and property in the state,” Singh said. He further alleged that no one is held accountable for the negligence in NHAI’s projects, even though landslides and building collapses claim lives every year.
Responding to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari’s remarks condemning the alleged assault, Anirudh Singh said, “It’s easy to comment from Delhi, but the ground reality is very different.” He added that he intends to meet Gadkari soon to demand a high-level inquiry into NHAI’s working in the hill state.
Singh questioned who would take responsibility for the repeated damage caused by NHAI’s carelessness. “People are dying every year, houses are collapsing, yet no one is held accountable. Files are shuffled, compensations are promised—but who compensates those whose life savings have been wiped out?” he asked.
He also raised concerns over the engineering practices used by NHAI, particularly in the four-laning projects. “From Parwanoo to Shimla, they’re cutting hills up to 125 feet deep, but constructing retaining walls barely 8 to 10 feet high. Is this sound engineering?” Singh said, warning that the real issue is NHAI’s irresponsible and hazardous construction approach, which is accelerating disasters in the state.
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