Recently, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has directed the Advocate General of the State to submit a status report detailing the actions taken to address the damage caused to State Highways from landslides resulting from heavy rains earlier this year.

During the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on the detrimental effects of unregulated excavation and construction in the State, a bench led by Chief Justice M S Ramachandra Rao and Justice Jyotsna Rewal Dua issued these directives.

While conducting the hearing, the court took note on the status report submitted by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and recognized the efforts of the Expert Committee in providing guidance to Executing Agencies regarding essential remedial measures.

The court, expressing optimism about the prompt restoration of the impacted National Highways, noted, "We hope and trust that the ongoing process ensures swift repair work to guarantee the safety of individuals traveling on the specified National Highways."

Further, out of concern, the Court instructed the Advocate General to furnish a status report on the restoration efforts for both State Highways and segments of National Highways overseen by the Public Works Department (PWD).

Earlier, On October 13, 2023, Mr. K.D. Shreedhar, representing NHAI, had provided assurance to the court that the Expert Committee was diligently formulating recommendations following their on-site assessments. In response, the court directed NHAI to submit a comprehensive status report outlining the interim measures taken to address the damages inflicted by landslides.

Case Title: Court on its own motion Vs. State of H.P. & others along with connected matters.

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