Retaining wall collapses near Dhalli in Shimla, five buildings endangered

At least five buildings in the Lindi Dhar locality near Dhalli in Shimla faced grave threat after a portion of the retaining wall constructed at the site gave way today. An apple orchard was also completely destroyed due to the landslide. Residents of Shimla once again raised a question over the quality of work being undertaken by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and Gawar construction company.

At least a 25 m portion of the retaining wall collapsed here today, triggering panic among the locals who immediately informed the district administration and evacuated the building.

SDM, Shimla (Rural), Manjeet Sharma, who reached the spot along with a team of the district administration, took stock of the situation. He said that a building that was facing extreme danger had been evacuated and inhabitants had been shifted to safer places. He added that more buildings could face threat if landslides continued to occur at the site.

Meanwhile, the local residents blamed the NHAI and Gawar construction company blaming for alleged unscientific and negligent construction work. They also threatened to get an FIR registered against the NHAI and the company.

They said that despite repeated warnings regarding the threat to the structures, the NHAI or the company took no action. They claimed that sensing the threat, many residents vacated their building last night.

The local residents asked the NHAI, Gawar company and the government to take action in the matter and provide relief to the affected people. They threatened to stage a protest if their demand was not met. They called on the people of the areas, where the road widening work was going on, to join them against the NHAI.

Himachal Tribune