SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, July 19: Panic gripped residents of Jharia on Friday evening after a sudden land subsidence led to the formation of a large crater near Indira Chowk under Jharia police station area, about 9.6 km from the district headquarters.
The incident occurred around 9:40 pm in the garage of Md Riyaz, where a 10-foot-wide and 15-foot-deep crater opened up with a loud noise. A defunct 407 vehicle parked at the site sank into the hole, and toxic gas reportedly began to emit from the spot.
The area, which houses over 50 families and around 100 shops, has long been under threat due to underground coal fires. Authorities, including the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), have already declared the site a dangerous zone, and Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) had issued eviction notices to residents earlier.
Police and BCCL Respond to the Situation
Soon after the incident, Jharia police station in-charge Shashiranjan Kumar reached the site and cordoned off the area to prevent further danger.
Sanjeev Kashyap, Project Officer of BCCL’s South Tisra Colliery, told media that the crater was filled following the incident. “The area has already been declared unsafe, and residents have been offered alternative accommodation. However, they have not agreed to relocate,” he said.
Despite the authorities’ efforts, many residents remain reluctant to leave. Sama Khatoon (40), a local resident, alleged that although BCCL conducted a survey of the area, it has not provided housing to many, including the family of her brother-in-law and his son who died in a previous incident.
Najma Begam (85) said BCCL has offered a two-room flat in Bengaria township, but she has five elderly sons and they run a shop in Jharia for their livelihood. “How can we adjust there and leave everything behind?” she asked.
Recurring Subsidence at the Same Spot
This is not the first such incident in the area. On June 6, 2017, a similar subsidence occurred at the same location, where a roadside garage operator, Babloo Khan (40), and his son Rahim Khan (14) were buried alive after the ground caved in suddenly.
Coincidence With Chief Secretary’s Visit
Ironically, the latest subsidence occurred just hours after Jharkhand Chief Secretary Alka Tiwari departed from Dhanbad following a review meeting on the Amended Jharia Master Plan for the rehabilitation of fire-affected residents. She had visited the district earlier in the day to assess the progress of the plan aimed at relocating those living in high-risk areas.
