Jai Ram Thakur Demands Transparency in Chester Hills Project Irregularities

Former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur has raised serious concerns regarding the alleged irregularities in the Chester Hills project, criticizing the state government's lack of transparency and accountability. He questions the selective actions taken by the government and highlights the need for a thorough investigation into financial and environmental violations. Thakur's call for clarity in decision-making processes emphasizes the public's demand for timely action on established violations. As the state government remains silent on these allegations, the situation continues to unfold, raising questions about administrative oversight and legal adherence.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 4, 2026, 17:41 IST

Concerns Raised Over Chester Hills Project

Munish Sood
Mandi

On Saturday, Jai Ram Thakur, the former Chief Minister and current Leader of Opposition, expressed serious concerns regarding the state government's handling of alleged irregularities in the Chester Hills project, urging for increased transparency and accountability.

In a statement from Mandi, Thakur criticized Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for what he termed as 'selective action,' claiming that while minor issues receive prompt attention, significant allegations involving over ₹1,500 crore remain unresolved.

Administrative Oversight Questioned

Thakur raised doubts about the involvement of senior bureaucrats, suggesting that there may be administrative conflicts and possible overreach beyond their constitutional and legal boundaries in managing the situation. He insisted that the public deserves insight into the decision-making processes and accountability from top officials.

Investigations Under Review

Citing media reports and initial inquiries, Thakur mentioned that several investigations have indicated breaches of Section 118 of the Himachal Pradesh Tenancy and Land Reforms Act. He pointed out that the Tehsildar had conducted two inquiries, both of which reportedly identified violations, while a thorough investigation by the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) in Solan included hearings and document checks that raised significant concerns.

He contended that, given these findings, actions should have been initiated at the district level rather than escalating the issue to the state secretariat.

Financial and Procedural Concerns

Thakur also highlighted issues regarding the financial status of the landowner, noting reports that suggest a relatively low declared income in comparison to the scale of construction activities. He further alleged that external parties associated with previous projects may have facilitated questionable financial arrangements, which could lead to legal complications.

Questioning the administrative procedures, he stated that the District Magistrate had the authority to act on the findings, suggesting that involving higher authorities was unnecessary.

Environmental Violations Alleged

The opposition leader also pointed out environmental issues, including illegal dumping that reportedly affected natural water sources and construction that exceeded permitted height limits, despite prior regulatory orders.

Demand for Accountability

Thakur called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the matter, asserting that the residents of Himachal Pradesh expect prompt action when violations are confirmed. He stressed the importance of following legal protocols and ensuring institutional accountability.

As of now, the state government has not provided a detailed response to these allegations.