Aishwarya Rathore-
Published on : September 11, 2021 at 13:39 IST
The Himachal Pradesh High Court issued notices to the Central and State Governments, as well as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), in response to a petition seeking directions to the Authorities to take appropriate measures in order to prevent landslides.
A Division Bench of Acting Chief Justice Ravi Malimath and Justice Jyotsna Rewal Dua issued these Orders in response to a Public Interest Litigation brought by Namita Maniktala.
The Petition reads, “Many areas in Himachal have fragile geologies that are prone to landslides. And almost every year, the state witnesses massive landslides that result in the loss of lives and properties.”
The Petition further stated, “The residents of the State, as well as tourists, have a fundamental right to life, and it is the State’s responsibility to take all preventive measures that can prevent landslides and stop future loss of life and property.”
The petitioner asked the Court to Order the State Government to install landslide prediction devices designed by IIT Mandi, as well as other such devices, in all disaster-prone areas.
The petitioner further asked the Court to order the NHAI and the State Public Works Department to implement all expert recommendations for preventing landslides.
The Court directed the Authorities concerned to file a written statement within four weeks.
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