Bilaspur’s silent crisis: Villages trapped in fear as hills crumble

The vertical cutting of hills for the four-lane highway in Bilaspur district has triggered frequent landslides, forcing villagers in Mehla, Samletu, Thapna and Baloh to live in constant fear. The stretch between tunnel numbers one and four has become particularly hazardous, with the situation worsened by recent cloudbursts in other parts of the state. Villagers say they are enduring sleepless nights and terrifying days due to the looming threat of landslides.

Experts have long warned that the hills in this region are composed of loose soil, prone to slipping if not adequately reinforced. Disturbingly, the area witnessed a tragic tunnel collapse in September 2015 during construction, when three workers were trapped. While Mani Ram and Satish Tomar were rescued after nine harrowing days, Hriday Ram lost his life under the debris. Despite this alarming incident, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) failed to revise the Detailed Project Report (DPR), continuing construction without essential geological safeguards.

This oversight has resulted in repeated landslides, waterlogging and serious risk to life. “For outsiders, the danger of falling rocks lasts just a few seconds while crossing. But for us, it’s a 24-hour nightmare,” said Rakesh Kumar of Thapna. He added that villagers now avoid going near the highway due to the ever-present danger and lack of basic facilities.

Responding to rising public outcry, NHAI Project Director Varun Chari said the authority has initiated a consultancy to improve dangerous highway sections. He said over Rs 350 crore will be spent on strengthening vulnerable zones. A revised DPR has been prepared for Mehla, Baloh and Samletu, while work on Thapna’s DPR is in progress. Additionally, an overbridge at Thapna junction — long demanded by residents — has been approved and will be constructed soon.