Landslides trigger traffic disruptions in Shimla, No casualties reported
Shimla, June 18
Fresh landslides triggered by recent rainfall disrupted traffic movement in parts of Shimla district on Thursday, though no loss of life or injuries were reported in any of the incidents.
A major landslide occurred on the Dhalli–Sanjauli bypass road, sending large quantities of debris onto the carriageway and forcing authorities to temporarily close the route to vehicular traffic.
The incident comes even before the onset of the southwest monsoon, highlighting the vulnerability of the hill state’s road network to rain-induced slope failures.
Police and officials of the concerned departments rushed to the spot and launched restoration work on a war footing. Earthmoving machinery was pressed into service to clear the debris and ensure the safety of commuters.
Following several hours of intensive clearance operations, the affected stretch was partially reopened for one-way traffic under police supervision. Traffic personnel were deployed to regulate the movement of vehicles while the remaining debris continued to be removed.
Officials said efforts were underway to restore normal two-way traffic at the earliest. Motorists were advised to exercise caution while travelling through the area and to follow instructions issued by the police and local administration.
The landslide led to temporary inconvenience for commuters and increased traffic pressure on alternative routes in the city. Authorities maintained that continuous monitoring of vulnerable locations was being carried out in view of the recent spell of rain.
With the monsoon season expected to arrive in Himachal Pradesh within the next week, concerns have grown over the possibility of more landslides and road blockages in the state’s hilly terrain. The administration has urged residents and travellers to remain alert and keep track of weather and traffic advisories.
About the Author
