A British-era water tank, constructed in the 1880s, lies beneath The Ridge in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh’s capital. This iconic tourist destination, known for its colonial heritage and picturesque views, is a no-vehicle zone due to its sinking foundation. Emergency vehicles were the only exception until November 28, when two heavy trucks were seen driving and parked on the fragile area.
A video circulating on social media shows the trucks parked with flashing lights in front of the Christ Church, a neo-Gothic landmark predating the water tank. The footage also captures the trucks moving along a street near Mall Road. Sharing the video on X (formerly Twitter), user Nihkil Saini expressed outrage, “Have you been to Shimla and visited the iconic Ridge? This historic spot, with a 100-year-old water tank beneath, is sinking. Events are banned, ambulances aren’t allowed—but yesterday, heavy trucks rolled in, crushing all restrictions.
“The truck driver even made a reel to show off. Is this the govt’s way of protecting heritage? Forget maintaining the legacy; they’re actively destroying what’s left.”
Have you been to Shimla and visited the iconic Ridge? This historic spot, with a 100-year-old water tank beneath, is sinking. Events are banned, ambulances aren’t allowed—but yesterday, heavy trucks rolled in, crushing all restrictions.
The truck driver even made a reel to show… pic.twitter.com/i3gZ6NWkIF
— Nikhil saini (@iNikhilsaini) November 29, 2024
Social Media Backlash
The video ignited a wave of anger online. “Trucks on The Ridge? This is absolutely ridiculous!” commented one user.
The Ridge is more than a tourist hotspot connecting Lakkar Bazaar and Scandal Point; it serves a critical function. The area is built atop a water tank that supplies a significant portion of Shimla’s water. However, subsidence has been an ongoing issue due to illegal tree felling and haphazard construction.
In 2008, this structural vulnerability led to the collapse of approximately 20 shops in the Tibetan market located beneath the Ridge. Former deputy mayor of Shimla and CPI(M) leader Tikender Singh Panwar highlighted the risks, stating, “There is a huge water tank under The Ridge and such a huge structure cannot be built here as it could put pressure on the area.”
Panwar filed an FIR against Home Department officials, the police, and the truck owners, accusing them of violating a Himachal Pradesh High Court order prohibiting vehicles in the area, according to The Tribune.
Shimla’s Mayor Surender Chauhan visited the site on Friday, inspecting the damage and ordering the removal of “illegal stalls” above the water tank. He emphasized, “Such structures cannot be built above a major water tank,” underlining the need to safeguard the area’s structural integrity and heritage.
This incident has reignited debates about heritage conservation and urban planning in one of India’s most cherished hill stations.
