Landslide at Lothal: One Woman Official Dead, Another Injured

Ahmedabad : Tragedy struck Lothal, a prominent Harappan cultural site in Gujarat, as a landslide claimed the life of one woman official and left another seriously injured. The incident occurred near the Maritime Museum, currently under construction in the Ahmedabad district, when the two officials were collecting soil samples.

The accident took place as road work was underway near the historical site. While the officials, one from Delhi and the other from Gandhinagar, were in a pit collecting soil samples, a cliff suddenly collapsed, burying them under debris. One official, a geologist from IIT, succumbed to her injuries on the spot. The other, whose condition is critical, has been rushed to the government hospital in Bagodra for treatment.

Local authorities reported that the two officials had traveled to Lothal as part of an initiative to assess soil quality for ongoing projects. The pit, where they were working, was part of a deeper excavation linked to the construction of the Maritime Museum.

Bagodra police are conducting a detailed investigation into the circumstances of the landslide. Preliminary reports suggest that the landslide may have been caused by unstable soil conditions in the area. The local administration has been alerted to review safety protocols for workers and researchers at the site.

Lothal, a significant center of the Harappan civilization, is well-known for its ancient dockyard and archaeological importance. The Maritime Museum aims to showcase India’s maritime heritage and draw attention to the rich history of this ancient site. The tragedy, however, has raised concerns about the safety measures in place for those working in and around the site during its development.

The Gujarat government has expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and has assured thorough medical care for the injured official. Officials are also likely to review and enhance safety guidelines to prevent future incidents at the historic site.