The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has submitted its report on the Bhattakuffar road sinkhole incident to DC Anupam Kashyap, identifying water pipeline leakage as the primary cause and tunnel construction vibrations as a secondary contributing factor.
The report comes nearly two weeks after a 2.2-meter long, 1.5-meter wide, and 4-meter deep sinkhole appeared on the roadside in Bhattakufar area of the state capital on November 22, raising serious safety concerns among residents.
GSI findings: Dual causation
According to the GSI report, the sinkhole was caused by:
Primary cause: Leakage from two water pipelines running beneath the road
Secondary cause: Human-induced factors, including vibrations from tunnel construction and other related activities
The report specifically noted that a reducer joint in the pipeline system was the source of the leakage, which weakened the soil structure over time.
Complete blasting ban recommended
The GSI has made a crucial recommendation to completely stop blasting activities for the four-lane tunnel construction project in the area. However, the report clarifies that manual construction work can continue without any restrictions.
This recommendation aims to prevent further ground destabilization in an area already vulnerable due to underground water seepage and soil erosion.
DC demands comprehensive report from contractor
Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap has directed representatives of the tunnel construction company to submit a detailed report covering:
- Survey reports conducted when tunnel construction began in March 2024
- Complete records and documentation from the project’s inception
- All correspondence with the administration during construction
- Steps taken to implement safety suggestions and their timelines
Cracks appear in nearby houses
The DC revealed that houses within the tunnel construction zone have developed cracks, posing risks to residents’ safety and property. District administration teams have personally inspected these affected structures.
“The administration’s priority is to protect the lives and property of common citizens,” Kashyap stated. He assured that the construction company will prepare damage assessment reports for affected houses, and the administration will provide all possible assistance to ensure residents receive compensation.
Immediate action taken
Following the GSI report, the Jal Shakti Department has already repaired the leaking pipelines. The department has been asked to submit a comprehensive report identifying the locations of all underground pipelines in the tunnel-affected areas to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“The GSI report primarily attributes the incident to pipeline leakage. The Jal Shakti Department has immediately repaired those pipes. There was a reducer joint that was causing the leakage,” the DC explained.
Background: November 22 incident
The sinkhole appeared suddenly on November 22 on the Bhattakufar road, one of the busy routes in Shimla. The incident created panic among residents and raised questions about the safety protocols being followed during the ongoing four-lane construction project.
The area has been witnessing extensive construction activity as part of the Shimla four-lane project, which includes tunnel construction through densely populated residential areas.
Safety concerns mount
The incident and subsequent findings have intensified concerns about:
- Safety of residents living near tunnel construction zones
- Adequacy of pre-construction surveys
- Monitoring of underground utilities during major infrastructure projects
- Coordination between various departments (PWD, Jal Shakti, contractors)
- Compensation mechanisms for affected property owners
Administration’s stance
The Deputy Commissioner emphasized that public safety remains the top priority. The administration is taking a comprehensive approach by:
- Demanding complete documentation from contractors
- Conducting independent inspections of affected properties
- Coordinating with Jal Shakti Department to map underground infrastructure
- Ensuring strict compliance with GSI recommendations
- Facilitating compensation for damaged properties
Officials present
The meeting was attended by Additional District Magistrate (Protocol) Jyoti Rana, District Revenue Officer Sumedh Sharma, and other officials from various departments.
What’s next
The administration is expected to:
- Review the contractor’s response and historical records
- Conduct a comprehensive survey of all underground utilities in tunnel zones
- Ensure complete halt to blasting activities
- Expedite damage assessment and compensation process
- Strengthen monitoring mechanisms for ongoing construction
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges involved in executing major infrastructure projects in hilly terrain with dense habitation, aging underground utilities, and complex geological conditions.
