Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Sunday, August 20, said the situation in the state is now under control, while adding that heavy rainfall and landlsides have caused a lot of damage as well as loss of lives in the state.
#WATCH | Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu says, "The situation in Himachal is under control. There has been loss of lives due to the landslides in the state. Heavy rainfall & landslides in Himachal Pradesh has caused a lot of damage." pic.twitter.com/CW7f4UmcFq
— ANI (@ANI) August 20, 2023
Meanwhile, search and rescue operations are on in Shimla after heavy showers battered several areas.
#WATCH | Himachal Pradesh: Search & rescue operation underway in Shimla after heavy rains battered several areas. pic.twitter.com/kviw4IGktU
— ANI (@ANI) August 20, 2023
BJP national president JP Nadda also visited the state to take stock of the situation. Before leaving for Delhi, he addressed a press conference saying the all possible help will be provided to the Himachal Pradesh government and the same assurance has also been given to the people of the state as well as the CM.
On the other hand, the landslide in the outer lawns of the Viceregal Lodge, presently housing the Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS) in Shimla, has raised concern about the safety of the 149-year old historic building.
The landslide in the Summer Hill in Shimla on August 14, which seemingly started from the periphery of the extended lawns of IIAS, uprooted tall deodar trees and swallowed a Shiv temple, claiming 17 lives.
Cracks developed in some portion of the IIAS complex and preventative steps have been taken but there is no danger to the historic building, Deputy Commissioner, Shimla, Aditya Negi told news agency PTI.
“There is a possibility of landslide at IIAS which may cause loss of lives and property and we have written to the State geologist to conduct an inspection of the IIAS and immediately submit a report in this regard," he added.
Situated on Observatory hill, the Viceregal Lodge was constructed by flattening the hill and the debris was dumped on the slopes which settled over time.
The main building which was constructed in the early 1880s and was residence of Viceroy Lord Dufferin during 1884-1888, was on sound footing. The massive landslide was mainly the debris which had loosened and become ductile due to seepage.
After Independence, the lodge was named as “Rashtrapati Bhawan” because the President of India used to come and stay here during summer months.
With PTI inputs
First Published: Aug 20, 2023 9:48 AM IST
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