IIT Roorkee experts inspect sinking Ridge

Tribune News Service

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Shimla, September 27

Experts from IIT Roorkee today inspected the sinking Ridge so that stabilisation measures could be taken based on extensive geological strata studies.

A team of experts headed by Dr Mahender Singh, Professor in Geo Technical Engineering from the Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Roorkee, visited the Ridge.

“The experts inspected the Ridge and have asked for cross section and soil samples so that a stabilization plan can be prepared,” said Pankaj Rai, Commissioner Shimla Municipal Corporation (SMC).

Later, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur had a meeting with experts of IIT Roorkee. He said the stabilisation of the Ridge would not only help in its beautification but also provide appropriate place for erection of statue of former Prime Minister Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Rai said the geological wing of the Industries Department had already given a report where it had been stated that there was hard rock almost 5 metres deep. “However, the experts have been roped in so that there can be re-confirmation of the report,” he added. The portion of the Ridge opposite the Gaiety Theatre and Ashiana restaurant has been sinking and developing cracks.

Suresh Kapoor, Superintendent Engineer, Public Works Department (PWD), revealed that based on the report of IIT experts, a stable structure would be planned. “The IIT experts too are of the opinion that a structure can be planned with horizontal pipes to ensure water can flow and not take the debris along,” said Kapoor.

He said the problem had arisen due to the fact that some of the structures like the Padam Dev Complex, built almost 20 years ago, were not on stable ground. “Many of these structures have come up on debris which results in sinking and cracks appearing on the Ridge, he added. Once the report from IIT Roorkee is received, stabilization measures would be undertaken.

Why the problem recurs

• The portion of The Ridge opposite the Gaiety Theatre and Ashiana restaurant has been sinking and developing cracks.
• Suresh Kapoor, SE, PWD, said based on the report of IIT experts, a stable structure would be planned.
• He said the problem had arisen due to the fact that some of the structures like the Padam Dev Complex, established almost 20 years ago, were not on a stable ground. 
• Many of these structures had come up on debris, which resulted in the sinking of The Ridge, he added.