Early morning landslide jolts Shimla’s Sanjauli area, residents allege unsafe hillside excavation

A massive landslide struck Shimla’s Bothwell area near Sanjauli College early Saturday, damaging access to residential houses and forcing authorities to advise several families to vacate their homes as a precaution.

The incident occurred around 4 am after a retaining wall beneath the road leading to Sanjauli College gave way. The collapse sent soil and debris downhill towards houses below. No injuries or deaths were reported, but residents said multiple buildings are now vulnerable to further slope movement.

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Retaining wall collapse cuts off access to homes

According to officials and local residents, the landslide blocked the pathway leading to several houses in the locality.

Residents estimated that three to four residential buildings now fall within the danger zone. They warned that continued soil movement could trigger a bigger disaster unless immediate stabilisation work is undertaken.

People living in the area rushed out of their homes after the landslide and remained outdoors for hours despite heavy rain. Residents said police personnel later reached the site and advised families to leave their homes as a safety measure.

Several affected families, however, said they had nowhere else to relocate and were uncertain about alternative accommodation.

Residents allege delay in response

Locals claimed they repeatedly contacted public representatives from early morning but did not receive any response. They alleged that calls made to the councillor, MLA and mayor went unanswered and said no elected representative visited the affected area.

They appealed to the district administration to provide immediate relief, ensure the safety of residents and take steps to prevent further damage.

Locals link landslide to nearby excavation

Residents also alleged that a private construction project permitted by the Municipal Corporation involved extensive excavation on the hillside.

They claimed persistent monsoon rain weakened the excavated slope before it collapsed. The residents have demanded that construction activity be stopped immediately and that authorities conduct a detailed geological survey of the site.

The latest incident has also revived concerns over a landslide at the same location on June 28, 2025, when debris and large rocks crashed into nearby houses and trapped several women and children.

With the monsoon season underway, residents fear similar incidents could recur if preventive measures are not taken quickly.