The Himachal Pradesh high court has suspended construction of a 144-metre link road from Shimla-Mandi road to Schilthorn Top near Baldeyan, Mashobra Range, with immediate effect following allegations that forest land was diverted and trees felled to benefit a private individual.
A division bench comprising chief justice GS Sandhawalia and justice Bipin C Negi passed the interim order while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Nageshwar Singh Kanwar. The court directed that all construction activity at the site remain suspended until the next hearing, scheduled for September 15, 2026.
The petitioner alleged that the authorities granted permission on April 27, 2026, for diversion of forest land on the stated ground of providing connectivity from Sadhora village to the Shimla-Mandi road.
According to the petition, the official justification claimed that the proposed road would benefit around 245 villagers. However, the petitioner contended that Sadhora village is situated below the main road, while the proposed 144-metre stretch climbs uphill towards the residence of a private respondent, raising questions over the stated public purpose of the project.
The petitioner further referred to an earlier HC order dated May 11, 2026, which had restricted the use of heavy machinery in the area in the absence of requisite sanctions. It was argued that the subsequent approval for the road had been obtained on the basis of incorrect or misleading premises.
{{/usCountry}}The petitioner further referred to an earlier HC order dated May 11, 2026, which had restricted the use of heavy machinery in the area in the absence of requisite sanctions. It was argued that the subsequent approval for the road had been obtained on the basis of incorrect or misleading premises.
{{/usCountry}}Additional advocate general Varun Chandel accepted the notice on behalf of the state. The matter has been tagged with a connected PIL and will be taken up for further hearing on September 15.