Shimla, Sept. 19 -- Residents have reported cracks on the floors and walls of at least seven buildings in the residential area adjoining the Cemetery in Shimla's Shanti Vihar ward. The number of affected buildings was provided by residents and was not independently verified.

Residents said the reports had raised concerns about the safety of their homes amid ongoing four-lane tunnel construction.

Local representatives and residents said that, following complaints and an assessment of the affected area, the district administration directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to stop tunnelling work in the area. The administration's direction and the cause of the cracks could not be independently verified.

Residents alleged th...