Over 150 buildings in the state capital are facing the threat of collapse after being declared unsafe by the Shimla Municipal Corporation (SMC). According to the Corporation, most of these buildings are in a dilapidated condition and are no longer fit for habitation. With the onset of the monsoon season, the risk of collapse has increased, triggering panic among residents.

Most of these buildings are over 100 years old and are located in key areas such as Ram Bazaar, Lakkar Bazaar, Chotta Shimla, Sanjauli, Kasumpati and Boileauganj. These structures pose a threat not only to their occupants but also to people living in their vicinity.

In view of the risk, the Corporation has issued evacuation orders to owners and occupants, directing them to vacate the buildings at the earliest to prevent any mishap or untoward incident.

Rajesh Sharam, Architect Planner, SMC, said that the Corporation can declare a building unsafe only if its owner submits an application requesting such a declaration. “Applications regarding declaring a building unsafe are received by the corporation from time to time, and evacuation orders are issued immediately.”

He said demolition orders for unsafe buildings are also issued by the Corporation as soon as a structure is declared unsafe. “However, the corporation does not demolish such structures but can only direct the owner to carry out the demolition work on their own,” he said.

Sharma further said that in most cases, tenants residing in such buildings seek stay orders, delaying the demolition process. He added that there are over 30 dilapidated buildings in the city whose owners no longer reside there. However, many locals living near these structures have expressed concerns over their condition.