Down to Earth

Himachal Pradesh’s Shimla city has been battered following three days of heavy rainfall — there have been three major landslides in the last four days and the bodies of over 22 people have been recovered so far. Over two dozen people are missing and suspected to be buried under the debris. According to experts, the city has long crossed its carrying capacity, which is leading to regular landslides in different parts of the city. The hazard risk and vulnerability assessment for Shimla and the City Disaster Management Plan had also suggested planned construction in the city to increase the depleting green area. 

About 33 per cent of the city was at high risk for landslide, the assessment had found. Over 50 per cent of it was at moderate risk and 16 per cent was found to be low risk. There are 37 buildings in the city that have been declared unsafe, including the Directorate of Urban Development. The report found areas of Summerhill, Baluganj and Tutikandi to be more sensitive to landslides and most of the damage due to landslides on August 14 was seen in these three areas.

It should be noted that Shimla city, situated in an area of 35 square kilometres, was established by the British in the colonial era for 16,000 people. But at present, more than 225,000 people live in the city. Thousands of tourists also visit Shimla daily and as a result, the loss of life and property increases manifold in case of any disaster. Shimla city is situated on seven hills and construction work is taking place continuously at most of the drainage points in the city, said former Deputy Mayor of Shimla Municipal Corporation and research fellow of Impact and Policy Research Institute, Tikendra Panwar. 

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