4 months on, Jakhu colony still cut off

Even four months after road connectivity to the Housing Board Colony in Jakhu was snapped, the government’s failure to restore the route continues to cause immense hardship to residents. The access road and retaining walls had collapsed following a massive landslide triggered by heavy monsoon rains. Despite the difficulties faced by the locals, no substantial progress has been made in reconnecting the colony.

For the nearly 150 residents, many of them elderly, the past four months have been exceptionally difficult. “Our biggest concern is medical emergencies. If an elderly person needs to be taken to the hospital, how will we manage? Winter will make it even more challenging,” said a worried resident. He added that the Public Works Department (PWD) should explore the possibility of providing temporary access while the larger restoration work is undertaken.

Another resident highlighted the daily struggles of living without a road. “Even routine tasks like bringing ration or essential goods have become a huge challenge. We have nowhere to park our vehicles. We are forced to leave them on the road below the colony, but police officials keep telling us not to park there,” she said.

Meanwhile, the PWD claims that restoration work will commence soon. “We’ve floated the tender and it will be available online from Monday. The work will be awarded by the end of this month,” said Suresh Kapoor, Chief Engineer, Shimla Zone. He added that the project would take three to four months to complete, as it involves slope stabilisation through micro-piling, anchoring and construction of gabion walls. “It’s a major project worth Rs 17 crore,” Kapoor said.

Local MLA Harish Janartha said the project will be funded by the State Disaster Management Authority, with additional support promised by the Chief Minister. “I will also contribute from the MLA fund,” he added. “Given the inconvenience faced by residents, we will try to clear the road first and then take up the rest of the project.”