Thaindian News

Shimla, Sep 5 (IANS) A portion of the historic Ridge here again caved in Sunday due to heavy rains for the past few days, officials said.
Around 40 metres of the Ridge in front of the famous Gaiety Theatre has caved more than six feet. It was the same area that developed cracks last month, Subhash Chand of the Shimla Municipal Corporation told IANS.

He said the portion was repaired but overnight heavy rains again weakened the foundation of the Ridge.

“The affected portion has been closed for pedestrians but it does not threaten the entire Ridge,” he said.

Another official said the caved in portion threatens another British landmark — Gaiety Theatre.

“The green room and dinning hall of Gaiety Theatre that are close to the affected area are under threat,” he said.

The Ridge portion damaged is located atop the Tibetan market, a landmark of Shimla.

“The problem lies in haphazard construction below the Ridge, mainly by the Tibetan shopkeepers,” Assistant Municipal Commissioner K.K. Sharma said.

“The structures have blocked the natural flow of rainwater, resulting in accumulation of mud. Over the years, the strata has become fragile and started caving in at one point or the other,” he said.

Major cracks had appeared on the Ridge in 2008 as well when about 20 shops of the Tibetan market collapsed due to heavy rains.

Shimla has been receiving continuous rainfall for the past few days.

“Shimla got 60 mm of rain from 8 a.m. Saturday till Sunday’s 8 a.m.,” said Manmohan Singh, director of the meteorological office here.

The Ridge has two heritage buildings, a neo-Tudor style building that houses the health wing of the municipality and the Anglican Christ church built in a neo-Gothic style that opened in 1857.