Himachal Pradesh Rains Trigger Building Collapse in Shimla, Residents Demand Accountability

Incessant rainfall over the past 24 hours has wreaked havoc across Himachal Pradesh, including its capital, Shimla. In the Bhatakufar area near Shimla, a five-storey residential building collapsed early Monday morning, causing alarm among locals. As a preventive measure, authorities have evacuated five surrounding buildings due to concerns of similar structural failures. Fortunately, no casualties were reported. Shimla Rural Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Manjeet Sharma stated that the building belonged to a woman named Ranjana and was evacuated the previous night due to visible signs of distress.

Around 8:00 AM, the structure collapsed entirely. "The building had been evacuated last night itself. There are three to four more buildings adjacent to it which are vulnerable. We've vacated all of them. Thankfully, there has been no loss of life," SDM Sharma told reporters. The collapse could be linked to ongoing highway widening work being conducted by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), which has allegedly loosened the ground.

Reports suggest the use of heavy machinery for stone excavation may have exacerbated the problem. A detailed inquiry is underway to ascertain the exact cause. Despite initial efforts to stabilize the area, the company's measures were ineffective. A civil engineering team will evaluate the remaining buildings' safety, ensuring evacuated homes stay unoccupied until further notice. Immediate assistance is provided under the Disaster Relief Manual. Ten families have already relocated to safer areas. "Relief measures are underway. If the inquiry finds the company or NHAI responsible, compensation will be arranged accordingly," Sharma noted.

Residents blame the highway project for the instability, alleging excessive stone cutting and excavation played roles in the disaster. Resident L. R. Kondal revealed the dire situation, stating, "You can see it live, sliding has already started right outside my building." These issues prompt severe concerns, with residents spending a harrowing night evacuating and safeguarding belongings. With three to four houses still at risk, residents demand accountability from involved parties. Government officials, including local MLA and Cabinet Minister Anirudh Singh, visited the site to review devastation and discuss relief measures. An inquiry is promised, while structural assessments continue amidst relief and rehabilitation efforts.

(With inputs from agencies.)