'Strict action against illegal construction': Shimla Mayor on Sanjauli landslide
Shimla, July 11
Shimla Mayor Surinder Chauhan on Saturday said strict action would be taken against those responsible for construction activity in violation of the monsoon ban after a rain-triggered landslide in the Bothwell area of Sanjauli endangered several houses.
Speaking to ANI during his visit to the affected site, Chauhan said the owner of the construction project would be held accountable and directed to build a retaining wall at their own expense to stabilise the slope and prevent further damage.
"The construction owner has accepted responsibility, and we have issued written directions to construct the retaining wall at the earliest. Strict action will be taken against any construction carried out despite the ban," Chauhan said.
He said the Municipal Corporation had earlier served a stop-work notice to the construction owner and had also examined whether the work was being carried out according to the approved building plan.
According to the Mayor, preliminary assessment indicates that the landslide was caused primarily due to hill cutting associated with the construction activity, although water seepage was initially suspected. He said the water pipeline in the area had already been shut to rule out leakage as a contributing factor.
Chauhan said the landslide, which intensified on Saturday morning, has increased the risk to nearby residential buildings. He added that complaints regarding the construction had been received earlier and action had already been initiated.
"Our immediate priority is the safety of residents. If required, families living in vulnerable houses will be shifted to safer locations," he said.
The Mayor said officials, including the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) and local revenue authorities, have been deployed to monitor the situation, while affected houses are being continuously assessed.
Referring to the ongoing monsoon season and the India Meteorological Department's heavy rainfall warnings, Chauhan said the Municipal Corporation has fully mobilised its resources.
"In view of the weather warnings, all men and machinery have been deployed. The Municipal Corporation has its own equipment, and we have hired around 100 to 150 labourers for emergency response," he said.
He added that whenever trees fall due to heavy rain, the Forest Department is immediately informed for removal. Dangerous trees identified in vulnerable areas are also being removed as a precautionary measure.Heavy rainfall has continued to affect Shimla over the past several days, triggering multiple landslides and posing risks to infrastructure and residential areas across the city. Authorities are maintaining close surveillance in vulnerable locations as the monsoon remains active.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As a resident of Shimla, this is terrifying. These builders think they can do anything because they have money and connections. The mayor says strict action, but I want to see actual criminal cases filed. Families in vulnerable houses shouldn't just be "shifted if required" - they need immediate support. The monsoon is getting worse every year due to climate change, and our hills can't take this reckless construction anymore. 😤
Good to see the mayor taking responsibility. But why was the stop-work notice not enforced earlier? These builders just ignore orders and continue construction illegally until something bad happens. The municipal corporation needs to be more vigilant. Also, 100-150 labourers for emergency response seems inadequate for a city like Shimla during monsoon. Hope they have proper equipment and training for rescue operations.
I live in the Lower Sanjauli area and have seen this construction happening. It's shocking how they just cut into the hillside without proper planning. The science of slope stability is well understood - you can't just dig into mountains without reinforcements. The mayor should also involve geotechnical experts to assess risk to all nearby buildings. This isn't just about one construction site, it's about the whole hillside's stability.
Meanwhile, builders in Himachal keep getting away with violations because they have political connections. The mayor should name and shame those responsible. Also, why are we always reactive? The monsoon ban on construction has been in place for years, yet violations happen openly. The Municipal Corporation needs to use drones for monitoring and act swiftly. People's lives are at stake, not just property. 🙏
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.