Fresh Shimla landslide triggers panic, several buildings face threat

Spread the news

Shimla, July 11

A massive landslide struck the Bothwell area near Sanjauli College in Shimla at around 4 am on Saturday, triggering panic among residents and putting several houses at risk. No casualties have been reported, but the incident has damaged the access route to residential buildings and raised fears of further slope failure.

The landslide occurred along the road leading towards Sanjauli College after the retaining slope beneath the road collapsed and slid towards residential houses below. The pathway leading to the affected homes has also been damaged, leaving residents concerned about their safety.

According to residents, three to four buildings are now under threat, and a major mishap could occur if further landslides take place. Most residents were asleep when the incident occurred and rushed out of their homes at around 4 am. They remained outdoors in the rain, waiting for assistance.

Residents said that police personnel reached the spot only after repeated phone calls and advised families to vacate their homes as a precaution. However, the affected families stated that they had no alternative accommodation to move to.

Locals alleged that despite repeatedly contacting the councillor, MLA, Mayor and other public representatives since morning, none responded to their calls or visited the site. They urged the administration to provide immediate relief and ensure adequate safety arrangements.

Residents also alleged that the Municipal Corporation had granted permission for a private construction project in the area, following which excavation of the hillside was carried out. They claimed that continuous rainfall had weakened the excavated slope, leading to the landslide. They demanded that the construction work be halted immediately and that a comprehensive geological survey of the area be conducted.

Expressing concern over the ongoing monsoon, residents warned that if timely preventive measures were not taken, the area could witness a much larger landslide in the coming days.

The affected residents pointed out that the same location had witnessed a major landslide on 28 June 2025, when debris and large boulders crashed into residential houses, trapping several women and children inside. The fresh landslide at the same site has once again heightened fear and anxiety among people living in the locality.