Narrow escape for Himachal CM, family amid tree tragedy scare at his Shimla residence

A massive oak tree, hollowed out by fungal decay, collapsed near Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s official residence Oakover in Shimla on Saturday (April 5, 2025).

The 35-foot-tall tree fell across a hillside road, getting stuck between the CM’s estate boundary and the Punjab Government’s Circuit House. While no injuries were reported, the incident sparked alarm as the tree narrowly missed hitting pedestrians or vehicles.

A major tragedy could have occurred had the tree fell onto the CM’s residence Oakover. Power lines were damaged in the crash.

Shimla’s growing tree hazard

The incident highlights Shimla’s worsening urban tree crisis. Just weeks earlier, six pilgrims died in Manikaran (Kullu) when a similarly decayed tree collapsed.

Municipal data reveals over 200 unstable trees across the city, with experts warning that iconic deodars have surpassed their 150-200 year lifespan.

A 15-year-old Himalayan Forest Research Institute report had flagged the risk, urging replacement of aging trees, but little action followed. The latest crash at the CM’s doorstep underscores systemic neglect of urban forestry.

MC orders audit of vulnerable trees

Forest and municipal teams cleared the debris within two hours, but questions linger over preventive measures.
The Shimla Municipal Corporation has now ordered an audit of vulnerable trees near key installations. “The tree committee will inspect high-risk zones,” confirmed an official.

Environmentalists have demanded urgent action, citing climate change as accelerating tree decay. With monsoon approaching, the incident serves as a stark warning for the landslide-prone Himachal capital, said an official.

Sunil Chadha