A multi-storey building in Shimla tragically collapsed, with cracks appearing in other residential structures, prompting local residents to attribute the damage to ongoing excavation and rock-cutting for a four-lane national highway project. This devastating incident underscores the critical vulnerabilities of urban infrastructure in ecologically sensitive zones, demanding a rigorous re-evaluation of construction practices to ensure sustainable development and public safety amidst increasing climate variability.
The collapse, which occurred around 8 AM at Sanjay Van Colony in the Chamyana gram panchayat, claimed the home of Ranjana Verma, 48, who had fortunately vacated the premises the previous night. A widely circulated video depicting the building disintegrating like a pack of cards starkly illustrates the fragility of structures in the face of ground destabilisation. Verma, a widow who had invested her life savings into building the house, recounted a month of minor cracks escalating dramatically in the three days leading up to the collapse, coinciding with the onset of monsoon rains. Her pleas to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and its contracted company regarding “unscientific cutting of rocks and insertion of massive iron rods into already fragile hills” were allegedly unheeded, highlighting a critical lapse in addressing community concerns.
The four-lane road project, a segment of the Kalka-Shimla National Highway 5 between Kaithlighat and Dhalli, is a vital infrastructure upgrade. However, the contractor, Gawar Construction Limited, offered a counter-narrative, asserting adherence to NHAI-approved plans for slope protection work. A liaison officer suggested the possibility of an “invisible crack” in the hillside exacerbated by heavy rainfall, leading to the destruction of even the inserted iron mesh and rods. This conflicting account underscores the complex interplay between geological instability, intense weather events, and construction methodologies in mountainous terrains, demanding independent and transparent investigations to ascertain accountability.
The tragedy in Sanjay Van Colony is not an isolated incident within Shimla. Reports indicate that several other buildings across the city face similar risks. Cracks have appeared in the electricity board’s office in New Shimla, and a building in Krishna Nagar is similarly endangered. In the Housing Board Colony in Mehli, a landslide early on Monday caused the complete sinking of a retaining wall of two government quarters, with locals alleging that construction activity on a private plot downhill destabilised the area during the rain. These widespread damages collectively paint a grim picture of urban vulnerability, where rapid development, if not meticulously planned and executed, can undermine the very foundations of residential safety.
The onset of the Southwest Monsoon 2025, accompanied by warnings of heavy rainfall and an extended spell from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), further amplifies these concerns. The Himalayan region, inherently prone to landslides and seismic activity, demands a paradigm shift towards climate-resilient infrastructure and urban planning. Unscientific excavation and rock-cutting in such fragile ecosystems not only increase immediate risks but also contribute to long-term environmental degradation, hindering efforts to achieve zero net carbon and eco-friendly urban development.
The human cost of such practices, as tragically demonstrated by Ranjana Verma’s loss, underscores the urgent need for a more empathetic and responsible approach to infrastructure projects. In response to the escalating risks, Shimla Deputy Commissioner and chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority, Anupam Kashyap, issued an advisory. This comprehensive guidance urges citizens to check weather updates before travelling, avoid unnecessary journeys during heavy rain, reduce vehicle speed, ensure functional vehicle lights, and prioritise health precautions against waterborne diseases. While these advisories are crucial for immediate risk mitigation, they also highlight the reactive nature of current responses. A proactive strategy involving rigorous geological surveys, climate-resilient engineering, and transparent public engagement is paramount to prevent future catastrophes and build truly sustainable and equitable cities that protect all their inhabitants.
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