Heavy rain has raised fears of landslides in Shimla’s Sanjauli, with several houses affected
People clear mud and debris from a house damaged by a landslide due to heavy rains in Sanjauli, Shimla on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Photo credit: PTI
Continuous heavy rains over the past 36 hours triggered major landslides in Shimla’s Sanjauli area, forcing residents of Bothwell Estate to stay outside around 3am fearing their houses might collapse.
Nearly 10 houses have been affected, with at least three houses facing imminent danger due to the landslide. Residents alleged that construction activity continued in the area despite the monsoon construction ban imposed by the authorities and demanded strict action against the owner of the construction site.
However, the owner of the land denied that he had carried out any construction in the past month, attributing the landslide to blocked drains and waterlogging. Local authorities have launched a preliminary survey, while the City Council has assured residents that immediate protective measures will be taken, including covering the vulnerable slope with tarpaulins.
Residents say they have been living in fear for more than a year. Speaking to ANI, resident Meera Kainthala said residents have been living in constant fear ever since a similar landslide hit the area last year. “We have been living under threat for almost a year. Last June 28, my parents were trapped inside our house after a landslide. Mud and debris entered the house and my sister-in-law and niece were trapped for almost 24 hours. Despite repeated requests to the owner Naresh to take proper safety measures during the construction, nothing was done,” she said.
A view of an uprooted tree blocking Banmore Road after heavy rainfall in Shimla on Friday July 10, 2026. | Photo credit: ANI
Speaking to ANI, Aditya, an eyewitness and a resident, said he was working from home the night the incident took place. “I am working online and I was awake when I noticed the landslide. My neighbor called me and we rushed out. Around 3 am we heard a loud noise. We already knew that cracks had developed in the slope in the last few days. Then the whole part gave way,” he said. He claimed that the excavation work was going on despite the restrictions. “There has been heavy rainfall for the past two days, but excavation and construction work has also continued,” he said.
Violation of construction activity rules
Shimla Mayor Surinder Chauhan on Saturday (July 11, 2026) said strict action would be taken against those responsible for construction activities in violation of monsoon ban after rain-triggered landslides in Bothwell area of Sanjauli threatened several houses.
Speaking to ANI during his visit to the affected site, Mr. Chauhan said the owner of the construction project will be held accountable and ordered to construct a retaining wall at his own cost to stabilize the slope and prevent further damage.
“The owner of the structure has accepted responsibility and we have issued written instructions to construct the retaining wall as soon as possible. Strict action will be taken against any construction carried out despite the ban,” Mr. Chauhan said.
Published – 11 Jul 2026 17:32 IST