Structure built to save sinking Ridge to house commercial complex

Shimla, August 23

A commercial complex will be established in the structure that is being constructed to save the historic Ridge from sinking. For this, the Shimla Municipal Corporation has prepared a proposal that has been sent to State Heritage Committee for approval.

The complex is expected to be ready by the next year after which commercial activities will be started. By starting commercial activities in the structure, the corporation aims to boost its income. The operation of this complex will be handed over to a contactor after the tendering process.

Constructed at cost of Rs 68 Crore

• Constructed at a cost ~68 crore under the Shimla Smart City Mission, this three-storeyed structure, which is 70-metre-long and 10-metre-wide, is being erected to save the sinking part of the historic Ridge near the Gaiety Theatre
• The Ridge that attracts lakhs of domestic as well as foreign tourists developed cracks on its surface and its northern portion was sinking
• In 2015, experts from IIT-Roorkee, conducted a study and found that hard rocks on the Ridge were lying at the depth of 4-9 m
• During the British era, debris was dumped on the northern slopes due to which it was resting on loose soil

Earlier, the structure was being constructed as a non-habitable structure. This was being done because of the ban on the construction of new buildings in the core areas of the town. With the restrictions being lifted, the MC decided to set up a commercial complex.

Constructed at a cost Rs 68 crore under the Shimla Smart City Mission, this three-storeyed structure, which is 70-metre-long and 10-metre-wide, was being erected to save the sinking part of the historic Ridge near the Gaiety Theatre.

Shimla Municipal Commissioner Bhupinder said a proposal to convert the structure into a commercial complex has been sent to the State Heritage Committee and further work will be initiated after receiving a nod.

The Ridge that attracts lakhs of domestic as well as foreign tourists was under a threat after the development of cracks on its surface. In 2015, experts from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Roorkee, conducted a study and found that hard rocks on the Ridge were lying at the depth of 4-9 m. During the British era, debris of the Ridge was dumped on the northern slopes due to which it was resting on loose soil. Besides being a major tourist attraction, various cultural and government events are also held at the Ridge.