Shimla, July 17 -- The Himachal Pradesh high court has sought status report on allegations of illegal construction, "benami" land deals, hill cutting, and violations of environmental norms in the villages of Kheel, Jashli, and surrounding areas of Solan district.

While hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by the organisation "Earth Healers", the HC issued notices to the concerned departments, directing them to submit a status report on the actual situation within one week. The next hearing is scheduled for August 17.

The petition alleges that land was sold to outsiders through "benami deals" in violation of Section 118 in areas, including Kheel, Jashli, Korol, Kainthari, Padgyani, Barog, and Kumarhatti. Large-scale construct...