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Top / The New Indian Express

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Landour Bazaar in Mussoorie sinking rapidly, experts warn of disaster risk

DEHRADUN: Mussoorie, one of Uttarakhands most popular hill stations, is facing an alarming situation due to escalating land subsidence in Landour Bazaar. The Landour Bazaar, a historical hub, is visibly sinking, raising fears of a major disaster. While similar issues have been reported in other parts of the state, the situation in Mussoorie, called the Queen of Hills, is concerning due to its significance as a tourist destination and its fragile geology. The central stretch of Landour Bazaar has reportedly subsided by nearly a foot in recent months. Fissures have appeared on the road surface, and cracks are spreading across adjacent shops and homes. The entire road has been sinking for two years, but the pace has accelerated dramatically in the last few months, said Jagjeet Kukreja, general secretary of the local traders association. The ground has dropped by at least a foot. Local residents allege that unchecked illegal excavation and haphazard, unplanned construction in the lower parts of Landour Bazaar are main reasons for ground instability. Despite complaints submitted to the Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) and district administration, no tangible action has been taken. Officials seem to be sitting on our complaints, lamented a shop owner. If this situation persists, the existence of Landour Bazaar is at risk. A major accident could happen any time. Mussoorie sits in Seismic Zone-IV, making the sinking land critically vulnerable to sudden collapse or major damage during seismic activity. Experts note that agencies, including IIT Roorkee and the Wadia Institute, have inspected the Landour region in recent years, but their reports have neither been made public nor followed up with mitigation efforts. The recent heavy monsoon also exacerbated the situation, leading to landslides and the collapse of water bunds and roads in nearby Jharipani area. Asked about the deteriorating conditions, Mussoorie Municipal Council president Meera Saklani assured swift action. Landour Bazaar is located in an extremely geologically sensitive zone. That sinking feeling Land subsidence in Mussoories Landour Bazaar has intensified, with the central stretch near the Kohinoor Building sinking Residents blame illegal excavation and unplanned construction, say complaints to authorities went unanswered Experts from IIT Roorkee and the Wadia Institute have inspected the area, but their reports remain unpublished Mussoorie lies in Seismic Zone-IV, increasing the risk of sudden collapse; recent heavy monsoon rains worsened instability, triggering landslides and the collapse of roads Municipal council president Meera Saklani promised action and review of IIT Roorkees report, noting that Cabinet Minister Ganesh Joshi has inspected the site.

30 Nov 2025 9:32 am