Underground water leakage, vibrations during tunnel construction reasons behind Shimla road cave-in, says GSI report

In the report, GSI strongly recommended a complete ban on blasting activities for tunnel construction in the area. However, the report clarifies that there is no restriction on carrying out construction work by manual methods.

The incident on November 22, in which Priyanshi of Auckland School in Shimla fell into a sinkhole and was later rescued, raised serious safety concerns amid ongoing four-lane highway and tunnel construction in the area. Local residents had slammed the local administration and the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) for the sub-standard construction work.

The GSI report said, “A detailed survey was conducted of the cavity formed along the roadside, which measured approximately 2.2 metres in length, 1.5 metres in width and about 4 metres in depth. The report has identified leakage from two water pipelines as the primary cause of the cave-in. It has also cited human-induced factors as secondary causes, including vibrations generated during tunnel construction activities.”

DC seeks detailed report from construction firm

Sources said that after the report was submitted, DC Kashyap sought a detailed explanation from the company engaged in tunnel construction. The company has been directed to provide records of surveys conducted when tunnel construction began in March 2024.

DC Kashyap said, “We pointed out that safeguarding human life and property remains paramount. Several houses located within the tunnel influence zone of the four-lane project have developed cracks. A district administration team has personally inspected the affected structures. While the construction company will prepare a damage assessment report, the administration has assured full assistance to affected residents in securing compensation.”

DC Kashyap further said, “The GSI report has clearly identified pipeline leakage as the main trigger for the incident. The Jal Shakti Department has since carried out immediate repairs to the damaged pipelines. It was found that a reducer installed in the pipeline system was responsible for the leakage. The department has now been asked to submit a comprehensive report identifying the locations and ownership of all underground pipelines in areas affected by tunnel construction.”

The meeting in this connection was attended by Additional District Magistrate (Protocol) Jyoti Rana, District Revenue Officer Sumedh Sharma, and other senior officials.