Kerala High Court on digging

The Shimla Municipal Corporation has mandated a halt on all construction digging work during the monsoon season to mitigate the risk of landslides, citing recent incidents such as the sinking of Circular Road due to ongoing construction. Residents with approved building maps are prohibited from starting any construction until after the monsoon, although those adding additional storeys are exempt. In Kerala, the High Court has similarly ordered a stop to all soil excavation from steep hills until further notice, emphasizing the need for scientific studies on the carrying capacity of such terrains. This decision follows a public interest litigation that challenged the inadequacies of the existing rules for construction in hilly areas. The court noted that the indiscriminate excavation has led to significant environmental issues, including landslides, particularly highlighted by the recent devastating incidents in Wayanad. Both regions are taking precautionary measures to address the safety and ecological impacts of construction activities in vulnerable areas.