Sat Jul 05 19:35:13 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing and rewriting the provided text, suitable for The Hindu:

**The Hindu: Railway Project Blamed for Damaged Homes in Himachal Pradesh; Court Issues Notices**

**CHANDIGARH, July 6, 2025** – The Himachal Pradesh High Court has intervened in a dispute surrounding the Bhanupali-Bilaspur-Beri railway line project after a petition was filed alleging damage to homes in Bilaspur district caused by ongoing tunnelling work. A Division Bench, led by Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia and Justice Ranjan Sharma, has issued notices to the Union Ministry of Railways, the State government, and other relevant parties, demanding a response within four weeks.

The Public Interest Litigation, filed by social activist Rajnish Sharma, claims that “unscientific excavation and blasting” related to the 63-km broad gauge railway line construction have resulted in significant structural damage to homes in Nog, Bamta, and Kallar panchayats. The petition highlights that many affected families belong to below the poverty line (BPL) category.

According to the petition, some homes are located a mere 10 meters from the tunnel, leading to large cracks and jeopardizing the safety of residents. Villagers report that authorities have failed to provide adequate rehabilitation or resettlement for displaced families.

The petitioner is urging the court to halt the tunnelling work immediately, acquire the affected land, and ensure the affected villagers are properly rehabilitated in accordance with Corporate Social Responsibility and Rehabilitation and Resettlement norms.

Residents of Badhiyad village in Nog panchayat have been staging a “chain hunger strike” since June 1 near the tunnel entrance to raise awareness of their plight. “This village is right above the tunnel and has posed a serious threat to the houses of about 20-odd families. We are not against the railway line, which is for public benefit, but their homes and lives are at stake,” the petitioner stated.

The court’s response is being closely watched as it could have significant implications for the railway project and the rights of the affected villagers.

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