Heavy rain triggers landslip scare in Shimla’s Sanjauli, several houses affected

Continuous heavy rainfall over the past 36 hours has triggered a major landslide scare in Shimla's Sanjauli area, forcing residents of Bothwell Estate to remain outdoors since around 3 a.m. amid fears that their houses could collapse.

Nearly 10 houses have been affected, with at least three homes facing an immediate threat due to the landslip. Residents alleged that construction activity continued in the area despite the monsoon construction ban imposed by authorities, and demanded strict action against the owner of the construction site.

However, the landowner denied carrying out any construction during the past month, attributing the landslip to blocked drains and waterlogging. Local authorities have initiated a preliminary survey while the Municipal Corporation has assured residents that immediate protective measures, including covering the vulnerable slope with tarpaulins, will be undertaken.

Residents say they have been living under fear for over a year. Speaking to ANI, resident Meera Kainthala said residents have been living under constant fear since a similar landslip struck the area last year. "We have been living under threat for nearly a year. On June 28 last year, my parents got trapped inside our house after a landslip. Mud and debris entered the house, and my sister-in-law and niece remained trapped for almost 24 hours. Despite repeatedly requesting the owner, Naresh, to adopt proper safety measures during construction, nothing was done," she said.

Speaking to ANI, Aditya, an eyewitness and resident, said he was working from home during the night when the incident occurred."I work online and was awake when I noticed the landslide. A neighbour called me and we rushed outside. Around 3 a.m., we heard a loud sound. We already knew cracks had developed in the slope over the past few days. Then the entire portion gave way," he said. He alleged that excavation work had been underway despite restrictions."There has been heavy rainfall over the past two days, but excavation and construction activity was also continuing,” 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 activity in violation of the monsoon ban after a rain-triggered landslip in the Bothwell area of Sanjauli endangered several houses.

Speaking to ANI during his visit to the affected site, Mr. Chauhan said the owner of the construction project would be held accountable and directed to build a retaining wall at their own expense to stabilise the slope and prevent further damage.

“The construction owner has accepted responsibility, and we have issued written directions to construct the retaining wall at the earliest. Strict action will be taken against any construction carried out despite the ban,” Mr. Chauhan said.