Shimla: Efforts to rescue and restore have commenced following a series of landslides that struck the city on Wednesday, following prolonged rainfall in Himachal Pradesh.
The Shimla District Administration has reported that a minimum of 20 individuals have been recovered from the debris, with search operations in progress. In response to the crisis, the Shimla District Administration convened an emergency meeting on Wednesday to strategize and initiate the restoration of roads.
"We have called for an emergency meeting in light of the landslides and the resulting damage to roads. Representatives from all relevant departments were assembled to deliberate on the transportation system and the restoration of roads. The Superintending Engineer (PWD) has presented a restoration plan, and geologists are currently assessing the situation. A comprehensive report will be submitted for the purpose of road restoration," stated Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap.
Regarding the floods in the Rampur area of Samej, the search operations have not yet yielded complete results. Out of the 33 bodies recovered, 20 have been found, with the search continuing. The bodies were discovered floating in the Sutlej River, and five locations along the riverbank are under surveillance. Significant damage was reported in the Samej and Taklech areas prior to these events. Restoration efforts are in full swing.
The landslides in Shimla have predominantly impacted areas such as Boilouganj, Chaura Maidan, and MLA Crossing. The road linking Chaura Maidan, Boilouganj, and MLA Crossing has suffered severe damage.
"Over the past two days, landslides have occurred at various locations within the capital. The road connecting Boilouganj is currently impassable due to landslides, and traffic has been rerouted via Court Road," Shimla SP Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi mentioned.
He further elaborated that the Deputy Commissioner of Shimla has convened a meeting to address the geological aspects, preparedness, and restoration efforts within the city. "We have rerouted traffic to ensure public safety, and the relevant departments are focusing on quality engineering for repairs. Additional police personnel will be deployed for traffic management," the SP stated.
Concerns have been raised by residents regarding the damaged infrastructure, with many blaming the local authorities for their negligence, which they believe led to the landslides. There are worries about potential disruptions to water and sewage services due to the damaged infrastructure.
Karamveer, a resident, voiced his frustration regarding the damaged roads, attributing the landslides to the negligence of the officials. "We hold the belief that the landslides were a direct result of the officials' negligence. It is the duty of the authorities to rectify these issues, but the burden is falling on the local populace. If these problems are not addressed, the consequences for the residents will be dire," Karamveer expressed.
"Areas such as Boilouganj, Totu, Chakkar, and Bara gaon are at risk of facing water shortages and other related issues due to the damaged infrastructure. The continuation of construction in these areas is likely to worsen the situation," he added.
