Heavy rain triggers landslides in Shimla

Several incidents of landslides and uprooting of trees were reported in Shimla due to a heavy rain that lashed the state capital throughout Sunday. Some vehicles parked at the roadside were damaged due to uprooted trees.

People visiting Atal Institute of Medical Super Specialities (AIMSS) have to face inconvenience as the road leading to the hospital from Bhattakufar was blocked due to a landslide.

Landslides were also reported in Bothwell Estate near Sanjauli, Panthaghati, Khalini, Krishna Nagar, Bharari, Chakkar and Tutukandi areas of the town. However, no loss of life was reported.

Trading activity at the Bhattakuffar Fruit Mandi was disrupted as stones rolled down the hill. The mandi was damaged in a landslide in 2020, but it has not been restored fully till date. According to a commission agent, the trading will continue despite the risk as the fruit growers will keep bringing their produce to the mandi. “It’s the only mandi where fruits are sold. We can’t afford to stop trading even for a day,” he said. Another commission agent said some of them will shift to adjacent market yard as a safety measure.

As per the district administration, teams were immediately deployed in areas from where the incidents of landslides and uprooting of trees were reported.

The roads were cleared by the Public Works Department, while trees were chopped down and removed by the Forest Department staff. An official spokesperson of the district administration said the situation was under control and restoration work was underway.