Himachal rains: Risk assessment of Shimla IIAS sought after landslide
Shimla (PTI): The landslide in the outer lawns of the Viceregal Lodge, presently housing the Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS) here, has raised concern about the safety of the 149-year old historic building.
The landslide in the Summer Hill here on August 14, which seemingly started from the periphery of the extended lawns of IIAS, uprooted tall deodar trees and swallowed a Shiv temple, claiming 17 lives.
Cracks developed in some portion of the IIAS complex and preventative steps have been taken but there is no danger to the historic building, Deputy Commissioner, Shimla, Aditya Negi told PTI.
"There is a possibility of landslide at IIAS which may cause loss of lives and property and we have written to the State geologist to conduct an inspection of the IIAS and immediately submit a report in this regard," he added.
Situated on Observatory hill, the Viceregal Lodge was constructed by flattening the hill and the debris was dumped on the slopes which settled over time.
The main building which was constructed in the early 1880s and was residence of Viceroy Lord Dufferin during 1884-1888, was on sound footing. The massive landslide was mainly the debris which had loosened and become ductile due to seepage.
After Independence, the lodge was named as "Rashtrapati Bhawan" because the President of India used to come and stay here during summer months.
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Leopard strays into house near Bengaluru, family locks it inside
Bengaluru, Apr 3 (PTI): A family in Jigani on the outskirts of Bengaluru had a close encounter with a leopard that wandered into their home on Thursday morning. Acting swiftly, they locked the big cat inside and escaped unhurt, a forest official confirmed.
The incident occurred at Pilla Reddy Layout, where Venkatesh, his wife Venkatalakshmi, and their son Nikhil reside in a rented house.
Jigani, located near the forested Bannerghatta National Park, frequently sees wildlife movement, including leopards and elephants, the forest official added.
As the family prepared for the day, they were startled to find the leopard inside their home.
Overcoming their initial panic, they managed to rush out and secure the door from the outside.
Venkatesh then alerted neighbours and informed the police and forest department.
A forest team promptly arrived, tranquilised the animal, and safely caged it.
Meanwhile, a large crowd gathered to witness the rescue operation.
Police were deployed to maintain order and prevent any untoward incidents.
