Bhanupali-Bilaspur-Beri railway line project: HC issues notice to Centre, H.P. govt. over fissures in houses
In its direction on July 2, a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia and Justice Ranjan Sharma has asked the respondents to file their reply within four weeks to the Public Interest Litigation plea filed by social activist Rajnish Sharma.
A 63-km broad gauge railway line from Bhanupali near Anandpur Sahib in Rupnagar district of Punjab to Beri in Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh is being constructed.
The petition alleges that unscientific excavation and blasting for the railway project have caused significant damage to homes in Nog, Bamta, and Kallar panchayats in Bilaspur, endangering the lives and livelihoods of villagers, many of whom are from below poverty line (BPL) families.
Villagers have reported big cracks in their homes due to the construction of the tunnel, which is located just 10 metres from some residences, the petition stated.
The petitioner alleged that authorities have failed to rehabilitate or resettle affected families. He urged the court to direct authorities to immediately halt the tunnelling work, acquire the affected land, and rehabilitate villagers in accordance with Corporate Social Responsibility and Rehabilitation and Resettlement norms.
Residents of Badhiyad village in Nog panchayat have been staging a 'chain hunger strike' near the tunnel's entrance since June 1 to raise their concerns. 'This village is right above the tunnel and has posed a serious threat to the houses of about 20-odd families. We are not against the railway line, which is for public benefit, but their homes and lives are at stake,' the petitioner said.
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