A scientific investigation has pinpointed the exact causes behind a terrifying road collapse in Shimla that saw an eight-year-old schoolgirl fall into a sudden sinkhole. The Geological Survey of India (GSI) submitted a detailed report on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, concluding that water leakage from two underground pipes was the primary trigger for the incident.
Primary and Secondary Causes Identified
The alarming event occurred on November 22 near the Bhattakuffar roundabout on the outskirts of Shimla. Priyanshi, a student of Auckland School, was boarding her school bus when the ground gave way beneath her. She was later rescued from the cavity.
The GSI report, submitted to Shimla's Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap, states that while the pipe leakage was the main cause, human-induced factors significantly contributed. These include the strong vibrations generated during tunnel construction work for the Kaithlighat-Shimla National Highway four-lane project.
The agency conducted a thorough survey of the sinkhole, which measured approximately 2.2 metres in length, 1.5 metres in width, and 4 metres in depth.
Key Recommendations and Immediate Actions
In a crucial recommendation, the GSI has strongly advocated for a complete ban on blasting activities for tunnel construction in the sensitive area. The report, however, clarified that construction by manual methods can continue without restriction.
Following the submission of the report, Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap immediately sought a detailed explanation from the construction company involved in the tunnel work. The firm has been directed to provide all survey records from when the project commenced in March 2024.
"We have pointed out that safeguarding human life and property remains paramount," stated DC Kashyap. He highlighted that several houses within the tunnel's influence zone have already developed cracks, which have been personally inspected by a district administration team.
Administration's Response and Compensation
The district administration has assured full assistance to affected residents in securing compensation. While the construction company will prepare a damage assessment report, officials are actively involved in the process.
On the technical front, the Jal Shakti Department has already repaired the damaged pipelines. The investigation found that a reducer installed in the pipeline system was responsible for the leakage. The department has now been tasked with submitting a comprehensive report mapping all underground pipelines in areas affected by the tunnel construction.
A high-level meeting to address the issue was attended by Additional District Magistrate (Protocol) Jyoti Rana, District Revenue Officer Sumedh Sharma, and other senior officials. The incident had sparked severe criticism from local residents towards the local administration and the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), raising serious safety concerns about the ongoing infrastructure projects in the region.
