NHAI Asserts 2025 Shimla Landslide Was Act of God, Denies Compensation Claim to NGT

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has submitted its response to a legal petition submitted in January. The petition alleged that extensive construction activities carried out by the NHAI and its concessionaire had not adequately reinforced a slope, resulting in damage to agricultural land in the Shimla rural tehsil and contributing to landslides in the area.

In its reply, the NHAI is expected to address the specific claims made regarding the construction practices and outline the measures taken to ensure environmental safety and land integrity during the ongoing projects. The authority plays a critical role in developing and maintaining national highways across India and is subject to regulations aimed at minimizing adverse impacts on local ecosystems and communities.

This incident highlights ongoing concerns over the balance between infrastructure development and agricultural sustainability in hilly regions prone to natural hazards, particularly in Himachal Pradesh, where landslides can have severe implications for both land and livelihoods. Local farmers and stakeholders affected by the construction are likely to continue voicing their concerns as the legal process unfolds.