Archive · 26 Sep 2025
NHAI Denies Irregularities in Himachal Forest Clearances
Imagine roads are being built in the mountains of Himachal Pradesh.
Some people said the builders, NHAI, didn't get the right permission to cut down trees.
NHAI says this isn't true, and they followed all the rules.
They had to get special approvals from the government for the Shimla Bypass project.
Also, heavy rains caused big floods that destroyed parts of the main highway.
NHAI worked quickly to fix the roads, letting people travel again in about two weeks.
They are also working on making the roads even better and safer for the future, including new tunnels and raised roads.
NHAI refuted claims of irregularities in obtaining forest clearances in Himachal Pradesh.
NHAI stated all construction follows approvals from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Himachal Pradesh government.
The Shimla Bypass project received all necessary clearances before execution.
NHAI restored basic connectivity on NH-3 within 12 days after damage from flash floods.
Long-term solutions such as tunnels are planned to minimize future disruptions.
- Who
- National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)
- What
- Refuted reports of irregularities in forest clearance for highway projects in Himachal Pradesh; restored connectivity on NH-3 after floods.
- When
- September 2023
- Where
- Himachal Pradesh, specifically the Shimla Bypass and Kullu-Manali section of NH-3
- Why
- To address allegations of non-compliance and to restore transportation infrastructure after flood damage.
- Organization
- National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)
- Project
- Shimla Bypass, NH-3 (Kullu-Manali)
- Forest Land Diverted (Shimla Bypass)
- 40.3 hectares (Stage II approval)
- Shimla Bypass Sanction Date
- May 2016
- NH-3 Reconnection Time
- 12 days
- NH-3 Damage
- Flash floods, late August