Shimla, June 30 (UNI) Heavy rains last night triggered a landslide in Bhattakufar near Sanjay Van/Mathu Colony, leading to the collapse of a house and damage to several others.

The incident occurred near the Jwala Mata Mandir, raising serious concerns over the ongoing four-lane construction project in the area.

The house that collapsed belonged to Rajna Chauhan, wife of late Rajesh Kumar. Other houses belonging to Lekh Ram Kondal, Thani Ram Chauhan, Brij Lal, Anil Kumar, Yogesh Kumar, and Arun Verma developed cracks and were evacuated during the night.

Local residents, police from Dhali police station, and Tehsildar Bhishma Kanwer were present at the site, along with Deputy Pradhan of Chamiyana Gram Panchayat, Yashpal Verma.

Anjana Verma, one of the affected homeowners, alleged that unchecked excavation and mining during the four-lane highway construction caused the retaining wall of her house to cave in, leading to mishap.

“Cracks had started appearing during the construction phase, but no preventive measures were taken by four lane construction firm” she alleged.

Deputy Pradhan Yashpal Verma confirmed that repeated warnings were given to the construction company, but no concrete steps were taken.

“Despite the company's claims of ensuring safety, today’s incident shows complete negligence on its behast,” he alleged.

The residents have demanded strict action against the contractor responsible for excavation work and called for urgent measures to stabilise the hill slope and secure the area. They accused both the administration and the construction firm of ignoring safety protocols.

The local administration has ordered a detailed inquiry and assured the victims of all possible assistance.

UNI ML ARN