Shimla's Sinking Ground: Experts Call for Urgent Water Management

With frequent landslides and subsidence threatening Shimla, experts emphasize the need for comprehensive water management and geological monitoring to mitigate risks. Dr. S.S. Randhawa leads efforts in researching ground stability, highlighting critical areas and the necessity of systematic surface water control to prevent further soil saturation and landslides.

The increasing signs of sinking ground in Shimla are raising alarms among scientists and geological experts. Recent observations have shown a spike in landslides and ground subsidence, leading experts to stress the critical importance of controlling and directing surface water to curb soil saturation and mitigate associated risks. Dr. S.S. Randhawa, Principal Scientist at the Centre for Climate Change within the Department of Environment, Science, and Technology of the Himachal Pradesh government, is spearheading research on this issue. Dr. Randhawa's team, which studied last year's floods in Shimla, advocates for a comprehensive plan to ensure the city's stable future development.

Dr. Randhawa indicated that a geological survey would be conducted in Shimla due to the weakening rock strata, resulting from homogeneous lithology and water seepage causing landslides. He pointed out that fractured rock strata and water seepage contribute significantly to the subsidence of certain areas. For instance, in the Comly Bank area, severe conditions due to thrust pressure and shattered rocks have led to noticeable sinking, exacerbated by water ingress.

The MLA Crossing area and Shiv Baori face similar issues, where overburden and thickness on the rock surface cause oversaturation and destabilization. On the other side of the Advanced Study area, fractured rocks lead to settlement, increasing pressure and leading to landslides. Dr. Randhawa emphasized the need to systematically control surface water to avoid year-round subsurface moisture, especially during monsoons, to prevent such zones from becoming landslide-prone.

Dr. Randhawa also underscored the challenges in the Samej area, where narrow hill slopes and wide downhill valleys have led to flooding and increased slope failure. High-velocity water flow in upper catchment areas and uncontrolled water flow were identified as principal causes of the recent destruction in this region. Reflecting on past geological surveys, Dr. Randhawa stressed the need for the Geological Survey of India to form a comprehensive plan for Shimla, factoring in previous findings to address ongoing landslide challenges.

The recurring landslides and sinking areas in Shimla necessitate a strategic approach to water management and geological monitoring. Environmentalists and former Deputy Mayor Tikender Panwar highlighted the vulnerability of mountain towns like Shimla, pushing for scientific designs for surface water drainage and halting activities in sliding zones. Panwar advocated for institutional and infrastructural reassessment, urging immediate action to prevent disasters. Highlighting the strain on a town originally built for 30,000 yet hosting 300,000 residents and millions of visitors, Panwar announced an action plan for Shimla's vision by 2040, aiming for zero emissions between 2050 and 2060.