The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has attributed the sinkhole incident at Bhatakhufar on the Kaithlighat-Shimla National Highway primarily to human-induced factors, including continuous leakage from underground water pipelines and vibrations caused by tunnel construction for the four-lane highway project.
In its report submitted to Shimla Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap, the GSI described the event as “purely anthropogenic” and recommended a complete ban on blasting in the area, allowing manual construction to continue under strict safety measures.
The incident, which occurred on November 22, saw a student from Auckland School, Priyanshi, fall into the sudden roadside sinkhole. She was later rescued safely. The episode had raised serious concerns among residents and sparked criticism of the local administration and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) over alleged substandard construction practices.
According to the report, the cavity measured about 2.2 metres in length, 1.5 metres in width, and nearly 4 metres in depth. Continuous leakage from two nearby water pipelines was identified as the principal trigger, weakening the subsurface strata, while vibrations from tunnelling activities were a secondary but significant factor.
Following the report, Deputy Commissioner Kashyap has sought detailed explanations from the construction company handling the tunnel project and directed them to submit records of all geological and structural surveys conducted since tunnelling began in March 2024. Several houses within the tunnel influence zone have developed cracks, prompting administrative inspections and assurances of compensation support for affected residents.
The Jal Shakti Department has repaired the leaking pipelines after a faulty reducer was identified and has been asked to provide a full inventory of underground pipelines in tunnel-affected areas.
The GSI report comes after sustained protests led by former convener of the Himachal Pradesh House and Land Owner Protection Action Committee, Govind Chitranta, demanding a thorough investigation into the sinkhole and fissures near residential houses above the tunnel alignment.
