Collapsed retaining wall near Shimla's historic Christ Church to be rebuilt within three days: Shimla Mayor
Shimla, July 6
The Mayor of Shimla city, Surender Chauhan, on Monday said the collapsed retaining wall near the historic Christ Church on the Ridge would be restored within the next three days, while asserting that the state capital is fully prepared to tackle the ongoing monsoon and remains safe for tourists.
Speaking with ANI, Chauhan said the century-old retaining wall near Christ Church had partially collapsed due to recent heavy rainfall, but the Municipal Corporation had already initiated the process for its restoration.
"We have planned the work, and the damaged retaining wall near the historic church will be rebuilt within the next two to three days," the Mayor said.
Reviewing the city's monsoon preparedness, Chauhan said the Municipal Corporation has imposed a complete ban on construction and hill-cutting activities during the monsoon to minimise the risk of landslides and ensure that neighbouring properties are not affected.
"Construction work and cutting activities have been completely prohibited during the monsoon. Notices have been issued by the Municipal Commissioner, and work will resume only after the monsoon season," he said.
The Mayor said the civic body has coordinated with departments, including the Public Works Department (PWD), Municipal Corporation and Central Public Works Department (CPWD), to ensure that drains, culverts and water channels remain clear for smooth drainage of rainwater.
"We have been in constant touch with all departments to get culverts and drainage channels cleaned because overflowing water can cause significant damage during heavy rainfall," Chauhan said.
Highlighting another concern, he said illegal dumping of debris on hillsides poses a serious threat during the rainy season. He added that the Forest Department has been directed to take strict action to curb the practice.
Calling for public cooperation, Chauhan said the administration is taking all necessary precautions to minimise monsoon-related risks.
"Our state has suffered a lot due to natural disasters in the past. We cannot fight nature, but we can certainly remain prepared and aware," he said.
Reassuring visitors, Chauhan said Shimla continues to be a safe destination despite the active monsoon season.
"I want to assure everyone through ANI that Shimla is safe and protected. The city's beauty, pleasant weather and fresh air continue to welcome tourists, and there is no reason for panic," the Mayor said. He added.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Finally some proactive monsoon management! The ban on construction and hill-cutting during rains is a smart move – we've seen too many landslides in Himachal because of reckless building. But I hope they also address the illegal debris dumping mentioned – that's a chronic problem in hill towns.
Shimla ke logon ke liye toh yeh aam baat hai – har monsoon koi na koi deewar gir jaati hai! But good to see the Mayor taking charge and coordinating with PWD and CPWD. At least they're learning from last year's disasters. Still, tourists should be careful – Shimla is beautiful but monsoon can be unpredictable.
I visited Shimla last monsoon and the Ridge area was lovely despite the rain. Glad to hear they're fixing the wall near Christ Church – that spot is a favorite for photos. The Mayor's assurance about tourist safety is reassuring for anyone planning a trip. Hope the restoration is done with proper materials, not just a quick patch-up!
The Mayor's comment "We cannot fight nature, but we can certainly remain prepared" really hits home. After the devastation in Himachal last year, this kind of preparedness is crucial. But three days for a century-old wall? That sounds rushed. Let's hope quality isn't compromised for speed.
Shimla ka heritage toh bachana chahiye! Christ Church is one of the oldest churches in North India – that wall must be restored with historical accuracy, not just modern concrete. Also, the ban on hill-cutting is welcome, but will the authorities actually enforce it? We've heard such promises before.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.