Several residences in Shimla's Rampur region are developing cracks as a result of the state's frequent rains, news agency ANI reported. According to the video posted by ANI, excessive rain has caused fractures in residences. Earlier in July, Tehsildar of Ramupr Jai Chand had stated: “Because of excessive rain, there have been a lot of damage in the Rampur subdivision…more than 100 houses have developed cracks…relief works are being done, we are providing all the necessary items to the people.”
On Saturday, according to a state government spokesperson in Shimla, hill cutting for any private development or construction activity other than restoring disaster-damaged structures and roads has been prohibited in Himachal Pradesh for two weeks, till September 16, PTI reported.
Furthermore, for the next two weeks, new planning and building permits for commercial or tourism units in Shimla, Mandi, Kullu, Kangra, Solan, and Chamba districts have been prohibited.
According to the spokesperson, significant environmental disturbances, including as catastrophic landslides, land subsidence, river-bank failures, and severe erosion, have occurred across the state during the recent monsoon season, resulting in the terrible loss of lives and property.
He stated that the decision was made to provide the highest level of safety for human lives, habitations, and infrastructure, as well as to protect the hill state's sensitive biological ecosystem.
The order will take effect immediately, and violators will be dealt with in line with the law, according to the spokeswoman.
Since the start of the monsoon on June 24, 257 persons have been killed in rain-related events throughout the state. According to the state emergency operations centre, Himachal Pradesh has also experienced damages of Rs 8,663 crore.
However, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has stated that the state has sustained damages of 12,000 crore, with estimates still coming in.