SHIMLA: The Himachal Pradesh Forest Department has stopped road construction, tarring, excavation and helipad construction across the Seraj region following revelations that more than 100 roads and 16 helipads were developed without the required legal clearances.
Official records reportedly show that 55 roads were constructed without clearance under the Forest Conservation Act, while 54 others received approvals under the Forest Rights Act that are now under scrutiny.
The records also point to the construction of 16 helipads without the required environmental clearances.
The violations include projects in and around the ecologically sensitive Shikari Mata Wildlife Sanctuary, raising concerns over construction activities in protected forest areas.
The action comes against the backdrop of the devastating monsoon disasters that hit Seraj in 2023 and 2024. Thunag and neighbouring villages suffered extensive damage as flash floods and landslides swept away houses, markets and bridges.
Seraj, represented politically by former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, was among the worst-affected areas during the disasters.
Unregulated hill cutting, the removal of vegetation and the dumping of excavated material have raised concerns about their possible contribution to landslides and flash floods. Experts have also stressed the importance of proper drainage and scientific planning for road construction in fragile Himalayan terrain.
The Forest Department's order has halted ongoing work, putting the focus on the legality of the projects and the clearances granted for construction in the region.
