Heavy rainfall late Monday night triggered a major landslide in Shimla’s Benmore locality near Ramchandra Chowk, forcing the evacuation of more than 30 families and raising fears of further damage in the state capital.
The landslide disrupted power, water supply, and road connectivity, with the road leading to Jakhu completely blocked, leaving residents stranded. Locals reported that cracks had been visible on the stretch for nearly two weeks before the situation worsened around 10.30 pm on Monday, when repeated soil and tree collapses continued till midnight.
Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, who resides in the affected area, visited the site and criticised the government’s lack of preparedness. “Incidents are happening every day across Himachal. The retaining wall built here last year at a cost of ₹70 lakh has already collapsed. Houses have been vacated, roads are blocked, and even ambulances cannot pass,” he said.
Residents said they had warned authorities earlier about widening cracks but no urgent action was taken. “Cracks appeared 15–20 days ago, and by yesterday evening they had widened dangerously. Three families evacuated by 9.30 pm. By 10 pm, the landslide began, and it continued for over an hour,” said Kamal Krishan Sharma, a local resident. He added that nearly 30 families remain at risk and many are seeking temporary shelter until a proper retaining wall is constructed.
Officials confirmed that clearing operations are underway, but continuous rainfall and unstable slopes have kept the area vulnerable. The matter has also been raised in the ongoing Himachal Assembly session.
