“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 Mussoorie’s 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Experts from IIT Roorkee and the Wadia Institute have inspected the area, but their reports remain unpublished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 Roorkee’s report, noting that Cabinet Minister Ganesh Joshi has inspected the site.