SHIMLA: The residents in the Upper Cymmetri locality, perched just above the historic Cymmetri- Dhalli Tunnel are a worried lot as the area experiences falling boulders and soil on the Sanjauli-Dhalli Road.
Fearing for public safety, the Shimla Police has taken preemptive action by halting traffic movement through the tunnel.
The State Disaster Management Authority is yet to assess the extent of the danger, leaving the residents on edge. To divert traffic away from the risk zone, Shimla Police have directed vehicles through the Sanjauli bypass towards Dhalli and Upper Shimla areas.
The cause of concern lies in two buildings positioned above the Cymmetery-Dhalli tunnel, where stones and loose soil have led to an alarming threat of landslide.
Consequently, the occupants of these two buildings have wisely evacuated their homes.
In an attempt to stabilize the slopes and mitigate the situation, the building owners have covered the eroding spots with tarpaulin.
The historic tunnel, constructed over a century ago during the British era, remains safe from any imminent danger, but the buildings perched above the slide-prone slope remain at risk.
Adding to the worries, the government's efforts to decongest the Sanjauli-Dhalli Road with the construction of a parallel traffic tunnel next to the Cymmetery tunnel seem overshadowed by this fresh landslide danger.
The safety of multi-story buildings situated on the hillock, directly above the tunnels, has become a primary concern for local residents.
The Shimla Police have issued an urgent advisory at 4:00 PM, cautioning commuters about the impending threat of landslides in the Symmetry Tunnel area in Shimla.
