Houses in Jharia fire-hit area develop cracks
DHANBAD: Over 250 families residing at Deepu Dhora, next to Alakdiha mines of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) under Lodna area, spent a restless night on Monday following subsidence which resulted in cracks in their houses.
The families — mainly unorganised coal miners working as truck loaders reside in this area — have long been facing threats of subsidence due to underground mines fire as well as the hollow ground following un-scientific mining of coal prior to nationalisation of mines.
After the area was lashed with heavy rains, subsidence was reported near the road leading towards the colony. “Majority of the affected families had to pass the night outside their houses,” said a victim Dharmendar Bhuian. “Some of us have taken shelter in the houses of neighbours.”
BCCL area project manager RK Sharma, however, said notices had been served to the residents time and again to vacate the area but none of them paid heed to them despite the looming threats of complete subsidence. The company had last served a notice about three months back, he said.
He accepted that all the 250 houses located there were built over a hollow land. “The land might not have been filled with sand by the private companies -operating mines prior to nationalisation of mines in 1970s -- after mining coal. But, unfortunately, despite repeated warnings, families are not vacating the land and continue to live there at their own risk,” said Sharma.
He said assessment of damage was on and if the victims vacated the area and moved to a safer location, they will be provided help.