Land subsidence caused by 'illegal coal mining' damages houses, dries up pond in Jhakhand’s Dhanbad

Dhanbad (Jharkhand), Jul 7 (PTI) Land subsidence allegedly because of illegal coal mining damaged nearly 20 houses and caused the water of a pond to go underground near a BCCL project in Jharkhand's Dhanbad district on Tuesday, local authorities said. The houses at Chhatabad under Katras police station area developed large cracks, prompting the local people to block a key road for nearly 12 hours, demanding compensation and stopping of illegal coal mining. Police said that there were no casualties at the site where land subsidence took place. “There was a deafening noise in the morning, and the people rushed out of their houses. Deep cracks appeared on the walls and floors. It is very risky to live in these houses now, as they can crumble at any moment leading to casualties," local ward councillor Mohammed Shahabuddin said. The water of the pond located near the Akashkinari Colliery project of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) also went underground, he said. Shahabuddin said that the affected area is barely 2 kms from Tandabari Basti which witnessed serious injuries to four people after land subsidence led to collapse of a few houses in the last week of April. The memories of the serious injuries are still fresh in people's memories, he said. Locals blocked the Katras-Sinidih–Dhanbad Main Road demanding immediate stopping of illegal coal mining, suitable compensation and proper rehabilitation, the local ward representative said. The blockade which began at around 9 am continues till the filing of this report. Katras police station officer in charge Praveen Kumar said that efforts were on to persuade the locals to lift the blockade. “The people are agitated due to frequent incidents of land subsidence leading to loss of properties and threats to life. The circle officer of Baghmara and senior police officers are trying to persuade the locals to lift the blockade,” said Kumar. Acting on information from the Katras police, a rescue team from the Govindpur area arrived at the scene. Baghmara Sub Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Ajit Kumar Vimal stated that land subsidence near the pond caused all its water to drain underground. Around four other houses were damaged as a result of the incident, while cracks have appeared in several other homes. He further added that the administration is keeping a close watch on the affected area as a precautionary measure. “BCCL officials and Circle Officer (CO) Baghmara Girijanand Kisku are present at the site, assessing the situation and speaking with the affected families. Necessary steps are being taken by the administration to ensure the safety of the residents,” the police official informed. PTI ANB NN