McLeodganj (Himachal Pradesh): This once-peaceful abode of Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama, with the Dhauladhar ranges in the backdrop, is rapidly turning into a concrete jungle with massive constructions underway to cash in on the tourism boom.

Experts fear a high-intensity quake can turn this quaint uphill town, known for attracting a steady stream of Tibet enthusiasts, Buddhist scholars, backpackers and even Hollywood stars, into a tomb of rubble as it falls in seismic zone V, suggesting severest seismic sensitivity.

“It was once a small village of shepherds. Now you can see a concrete jungle all over,” local resident Joginder Singh told IANS.

He said that much of the commercial activity around McLeodganj is a result of people cashing in on the tourism boom.

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