Shimla
Shimla’s historic Ridge Water Tank, a 140-year-old landmark designated as a “very high vulnerable zone” in the Hazard Vulnerability Risk Assessment (HVRA) study, is under increased threat as the Winter Carnival continues. Despite several warnings and legal restrictions, a platform for the event has been built just above the fragile tank, sparking concerns among experts and locals.
The Ridge Tank, which is made entirely of lime and mortar and has no cement, can hold 10 lakh gallons of water. Decades of wear and growing cracks have made it exceedingly vulnerable to deterioration, particularly from activities that add stress. Geological assessments have warned of potential subsidence and earthquake-induced ground failures, highlighting the area’s vulnerability.
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has issued repeated decisions, and a government notification from 2007 clearly prohibits activity within 100 meters of the tank. However, the district administration requested structural approval from Shimla Jal Prabandhan Nigam Limited (SJPNL), which the firm neither granted nor could handle.
The Fire Department’s recent usage of heavy water tankers, as well as past preparations for large-scale events on The Ridge, have generated criticism. Experts have warned that such actions violate disaster mitigation principles, putting lives and heritage at risk.
Citizens and experts are asking for an immediate halt to all public events at The Ridge. Tikender Panwar, former Deputy Mayor, has also voiced worry in a letter to the Chief Secretary, requesting him to move quickly to relocate the Winter Carnival stage and prevent additional damage to this ancient edifice.
