Safety net Shimla to get early warning system for landslides

The Shimla Municipal Corporation has announced an early warning system (EWS) for landslides to prevent disaster-like situations in the future. This initiative follows the devastating 2023 monsoon season, which saw heavy loss of life and property due to landslides caused by torrential rains.

Mayor Surender Chauhan, while presenting the Rs 188 crore budget for 2025-26, highlighted other key initiatives. The corporation will introduce a ‘City Ecology Monitor Tool’ to track air quality, land degradation, land stability, water bodies, green spaces and urban heat islands. For the pilot phase, the Krishan Nagar ward has been selected.

Additionally, the corporation announced that shop owners and commercial establishments in Shimla will now be charged a municipal fee starting in the upcoming financial year.

To improve infrastructure, the corporation plans to install piped liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) connections across the town, eliminating the need for LPG cylinders. A PNG distribution plant will be set up in Darani village’s orchard by Indian Oil Adani Gas Private Limited during 2025-26.

Environmental conservation is also a priority, with 5,000 saplings set to be planted across Shimla in the coming year. The corporation also aims to implement an Integrated Smart Solid Waste Management System to enhance cleanliness and waste disposal.

In response to the growing stray dog issue, a survey of stray dogs will be conducted, where dogs will be microchipped for tracking. Alongside this, a sterilisation drive will be launched to control the stray dog population.