HC issues notices to Centre, state over landslides along NHs in Himachal

The Himachal Pradesh High Court has issued notices to the central and state governments and the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) in a matter seeking directions to the authorities concerned to take necessary action for preventing frequent landslides along the national highways in the state.

A division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Ravi Malimath and Justice Jyotsna Rewal Dua passed these orders on a petition filed by Namita Manikatala, which was taken up by the court as a public interest litigation (PIL).

The petitioner has alleged that many areas of Himachal having fragile geologies are prone to the landslides and almost every year, the state witnesses massive landslides, which cause loss of lives and property.