Land Subsidence In Dhanbad Destroys 21 Houses, Injures Five As Evacuations Begin
Repeated mining-linked subsidence in Dhanbad forces evacuations after 21 houses collapse, residents injured.
A major land subsidence incident in the Tandabari settlement under the Sonardih OP area of Dhanbad led to the collapse of over 21 houses on Thursday night, triggering panic and large-scale evacuation efforts. The incident occurred around 9 pm and was accompanied by a loud rumbling sound, with houses reportedly sinking nearly 15 to 20 feet into the ground.
The sudden collapse caused chaos across the locality as residents rushed out of their homes to save their lives. At least five people were injured in the incident, including one person who remains in critical condition and is undergoing treatment at Asarfi Hospital in Dhanbad. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as families fled the affected area in darkness, fearing further ground collapse.
Local residents have alleged that the recurring subsidence incidents are a direct consequence of long-term coal mining activities in the region. They claim that extensive underground mining has hollowed out the land, making it unstable and prone to sudden cave-ins. Many villagers expressed anger, saying they have repeatedly raised concerns about safety but received little long-term intervention.
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Following the incident, officials from the district administration and Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) rushed to the site and set up a temporary relief camp. Authorities have begun relocating affected families, with arrangements made to shift 27 families to Belgaria, where rehabilitation flats have been made available. Transport assistance has also been provided to facilitate the evacuation process.
Circle Officer Girjanand Kisku confirmed that relocation efforts are underway and described the area as “extremely dangerous,” stressing that evacuation is necessary. Meanwhile, villagers staged protests by blocking the Chas-Rajganj four-lane road, accusing BCCL of negligence and delay in rehabilitation. Residents also recalled previous incidents on March 31 and April 22, claiming earlier promises of relocation were not fulfilled, leaving the community in continued fear and uncertainty.
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