Dhanbad: Panic gripped Sijua No. 10 under the Jogta police station area on Tuesday morning after a massive land subsidence occurred at around 5:30 am. Several houses collapsed into the ground, while deep cracks developed in nearby areas.
Two children and around half a dozen women were injured in the incident and were taken to hospital for treatment. One child later died during treatment.
Sudden Ground Collapse Triggers Panic
According to local residents, most people were asleep in their homes when a large portion of the ground suddenly sank with a loud noise. Panic spread through the locality as several houses were caught in the subsidence and collapsed.
Following the incident, local residents launched rescue efforts and shifted the injured to hospital.
Residents Demand Rehabilitation and Compensation
A large number of people gathered at the site after the incident. Local residents expressed anger against BCCL and the district administration and demanded immediate rehabilitation and adequate compensation for the affected families.
Residents alleged that the ground in the area had weakened over time due to coal mining and underground activities. They claimed that despite the risks, effective steps had not been taken to rehabilitate people living in vulnerable areas.
MLA Shatrughan Mahto Visits the Site
Baghmara MLA Shatrughan Mahto reached the site after receiving information about the incident. He met the affected families and took stock of the situation.
The MLA held the state government and BCCL responsible for the land subsidence and said that greater seriousness was needed regarding the safety and rehabilitation of people living in vulnerable areas.
Local residents said that several houses were affected after the ground suddenly sank on Tuesday morning. They demanded that the affected families be immediately shifted to safer locations and provided appropriate compensation.
Road Blocked Over Demand for Permanent Rehabilitation
Angry residents blocked the Katras-Sijua main road in protest against the incident. Traffic movement was affected due to the road blockade.
The residents remained firm on their demand for permanent rehabilitation and adequate safety measures. The incident has left the entire area gripped by fear and anger.
