Shimla, Aug. 17 -- Taking strict note of encroachments and unauthorised constructions along the Shimla- Jubberhatti airport road, the Himachal Pradesh high court sought "comprehensive status report" from the public works department (PWD). The directions were issued by the division bench of Justice GS Sandhawalia and Justice Ranjan Sharma on August 11, while hearing a public interest litigation that was initiated suo motu by the high court on account of a letter received regarding constructions and encroachments on both sides of the road, which is leading to the Shimla airport and turning of blind eye, as such, by the PWD. Local complaints before the court point to worsening conditions near Totu, where vehicles remain parked on both sides of the road, and construction materials are often dumped directly on the carriageway. Residents allege that poor maintenance has narrowed the road, while repeated landslides, overflowing drains, continue to obstruct smooth traffic flow. "Let status report be filed, as to what action has been taken, on the constructions which have come along the said road and also to give the list of constructions which are in the form of encroachments", ruled the HC on August 11. htc...