Shimla, Sept. 23 -- The Himachal Pradesh unit of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has expressed serious concern over cracks appearing in buildings in Shanti Vihar ward, Bhattakufar and adjoining areas of Shimla allegedly due to the construction of twin tunnels between Chalounti and Bhattakufar under the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) four-lane project.

In a statement issued here on Wednesday, CPI (M) state secretary Sanjay Chauhan demanded an immediate halt to the tunnel construction work and a comprehensive vulnerability assessment of the affected area before taking any decision on further construction. He also sought appropriate relief and compensation for people whose buildings have suffered damage due to the alleged ...