Kalka-Shimla highway: A loss of livelihood; lessons to learn

Ecological devastation can be prevented with co-operation in planning of projects

People of Dharampur and Sukhi Jori, adjoining market settlements on the Kalka-Shimla highway (Himachal Pradesh), say that they will never forget the week starting May 29 when large-scale demolition work began in those areas using heavy machines. Right till June 2, when this reporter visited the demolition site, people looked on in silent grief as even shops believed to be outside the range of the expanding four-lane highway were razed to the ground.

Pradeep Kumar, one of the shopkeepers, said, “Many shopkeepers who never expected eviction were asked to clear all their belongings at a very short notice. I am also