Landslide causes Shimla-Boileauganj road to close

The capital city is grappling with the severe impact of continuous rainfall, as landslides are occurring in multiple locations. A significant landslide near the crossing on the Chaura Maidan-Boileauganj road on Tuesday night has completely damaged the route, causing substantial difficulties for local residents. Earlier, on Monday, August 19, a landslide had closed the Shimla-Boileauganj road and caused cracks on the Chaura Maidan-Boileauganj road. The landslide on Tuesday further worsened the situation, leading to the complete closure of the Shimla-Boileauganj road by the administration. The debris and fallen trees have also destroyed a rain shelter of the Public Works Department. Currently, vehicles bound for Summer Hill and Boileauganj are being rerouted via Chakkar. Residents have blamed administrative negligence and water leakage for the disaster.

Locals and shopkeepers in Boileauganj have voiced their frustration over the damaged Chaura Maidan-Boileauganj road, which has severely impacted daily life. Schoolchildren and employees now have to take a longer route through Chakkar, and business activities in the area have declined significantly due to the road closure. The landslide has been attributed to administrative carelessness, as a similar incident occurred a year ago, prompting the construction of a retaining wall that inadvertently blocked a culvert. This blockage led to water seeping into the hillside, ultimately causing the recent landslide. Residents have stressed the need for authorities to thoroughly inspect projects on the ground instead of relying solely on paperwork.

Criticizing the administration, locals believe that if proper measures had been taken a year ago, this disaster could have been avoided. They are now urging the administration to reopen the Advance Study route, which is currently closed, to facilitate easier access for ambulances and pedestrians, thereby alleviating some of the inconvenience faced by the public.