Mandi, September 19: A portion of the tunnel under construction under Diod village near Pandoh in Mandi district collapsed on Wednesday, creating a huge crater there, putting around 20 houses in danger. The tunnel, part of the Pandoh bypass Takoli section of the Kiratpur-Manali four-lane project, has been closed for the last four months due to non-payment to contractors. The tunnel collapse has not only disrupted traffic but has also raised serious concerns among villagers about the safety of their homes.
The tunnel excavation was completed, but construction was halted four months ago due to non-payment to contractors. On Wednesday, a portion of the tunnel collapsed, creating a deep crater along the Diod-Hanog road. Villagers who noticed the crater while inspecting the area said it was so deep that they could not even hear the sound of stones thrown down.
The collapse of the crater has created fear among the locals about their safety. Villagers said that since the construction of the tunnel began, large cracks have appeared in their houses. They claimed that the cracks that developed last time were not repaired and now the formation of this new crater has made the situation even more dangerous. A cowshed located near the site has already been evacuated.
Representatives of the Hanog Panchayat expressed disappointment and said that the damage caused by the tunnel was repeatedly reported to the Shahpurji-Pallonji Company, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and local authorities, but no action was taken. Panchayat members warned, “Now about 20 houses of Diod village are in danger.
If something goes wrong here, the company, administration and government will be responsible.” With the tunnel project being put on hold due to financial issues, questions are being raised about the safety of the surrounding area. Residents have raised concerns over the lack of monitoring, accusing the company of negligence. A representative of the Shahpurji-Palonji company has acknowledged the issue and confirmed sending a team of experts to the spot to investigate.
As more potential damage is expected in the area, villagers are demanding quick intervention to prevent further damage to their homes and property.
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