Shimla: Building Collapse Due to NHAI Negligence—₹5.61 Crore Compensation Ordered

Shimla, July 31
The families affected by the collapse of a multi-storey building in Bhattakufar near Sanjauli—caused by negligent four-lane construction work—will receive compensation amounting to ₹5.61 crore. Shimla Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap has issued directions to the construction company involved in the NHAI project to release the compensation immediately. He also instructed that a progress report on the action taken be submitted to his office at the earliest to ensure relief for the affected family.

The incident occurred on June 30, 2025, when a multi-storey house belonging to Shreya, Shaurya, and Ranjana in the Mathu Colony suddenly collapsed. The family suffered major losses and was left in distress. To investigate the cause, the Deputy Commissioner constituted a probe committee on July 4, headed by ADM (Law & Order) Pankaj Sharma. The committee submitted its findings on July 18, concluding that the collapse was triggered by hill-cutting during the ongoing four-lane construction, which weakened the land beneath the structure.

According to the report, the total assessed damage amounted to ₹2.80 crore, which includes ₹57.40 lakh for the land, ₹1.65 crore for the building structure, and ₹58.38 lakh for household belongings. The committee strongly recommended that the affected family be compensated without delay.

DC Anupam Kashyap emphasized that compensation must be provided transparently and fairly under the provisions of the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement Act, 2013, including 100% restitution for the losses. He added that timely compensation would not only provide relief to the victims but also set a precedent for ensuring justice in future incidents of this nature.

The collapse also sparked a political controversy. During a visit to the site, local MLA and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh was accused of assault and intimidation by an NHAI official. In response, Shimla police registered an FIR against the minister and his supporters. As the issue escalated, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari demanded action from the Himachal CM, while the BJP called for the minister’s resignation.

Meanwhile, local residents also filed a cross-FIR against the NHAI official, accusing him of misbehavior and threats. The complaint was lodged at the Dhalli police station. As a result, the incident led to cross FIRs and continues to be a matter of legal and political tension.