Tragedy Strikes as Three Women Buried Alive in Jharkhand Subsidence Incident.

Tragedy Strikes as Three Women Buried Alive in Jharkhand Subsidence Incident.

Asif Iqbal | September 18, 2023 | 09:11 AM IST | Breaking News, Jharkhand | Follow on Google News

Tragedy Strikes as Three Women Buried Alive in Jharkhand Subsidence Incident.

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In a heart-wrenching incident that highlights the perilous conditions faced by residents in the coal-rich region of Jharia, Jharkhand, three women lost their lives after being buried alive when the land beneath them suddenly gave way. This devastating event occurred on a makeshift road constructed for coal transportation, shedding light on the ongoing challenges posed by land subsidence in the area.

Victims Identified: Parla Devi, Thandi Devi, and Mandwa Devi

The victims have been identified as Parla Devi (55), Thandi Devi (55), and Mandwa Devi (60), all of whom hailed from the nearby Chhotki Bouwa Basti. The horrifying incident unfolded when one of the women became trapped in the subsidence, prompting the other two to rush to her aid, only to meet the same tragic fate. The unstable old underground workings in the region, compounded by the prevalence of fires and subsidence, contributed to this unfortunate occurrence. It’s worth noting that the Gondudih Khas Kusunda Colliery, where the incident transpired, is operated by Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited.

Jharia’s Ongoing Battle with Underground Fires and Subsidence

The region of Jharia has been grappling with the menace of underground fires for a century now, leading to a continuous cycle of land subsidence and, tragically, the loss of many lives. The Jharia coal mine spans an expansive area of 450 square kilometers and supports the livelihoods of nearly 5 lakh residents. The fires, which rage on in 67 different areas in Jharia and its vicinity, have proven to be unyielding. In some areas, coal continues to burn at temperatures soaring up to 700 degrees centigrade, just a few meters beneath the earth’s surface, defying all attempts at extinguishing it.

The Tragic Incident and Delayed Rescue Operations

The ill-fated incident occurred around noon, as the women were walking along the makeshift road designed for coal transportation. A portion of this road suddenly caved in, trapping them beneath the earth’s surface. While questions arose regarding the delayed rescue operation, BCCL officials stated that the initial delay was due to the anger of local residents, who confronted the colliery manager, Dilip Kumar, and assistant manager Rajesh Kumar. After resolving this situation, rescue operations commenced. Nevertheless, some locals alleged that both the police and the BCCL mine rescue teams arrived several hours later, despite being informed immediately.

Causes and Ongoing Concerns

Preliminary assessments suggest that heavy rains may have triggered the land subsidence. The Gondudih project, where the outsourcing company had constructed the makeshift road for transportation purposes, now stands as a grim reminder of the inherent dangers in this coal-rich region. As investigations continue, the incident serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and a comprehensive strategy to mitigate the ongoing challenges posed by subsidence and underground fires in Jharia.

Asif Iqbal

Asif Iqbal is a seasoned news writer with a passion for delivering the latest updates to the public. Currently serving as the senior writer at VoM News, a prominent news outlet known for its comprehensive coverage of diverse topics, Asif has established himself as a reliable source of information. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he consistently provides readers with well-crafted articles that cover a wide range of news categories. His dedication to journalistic integrity and his commitment to staying ahead of the news curve make him an invaluable asset to Vom News, ensuring that readers are always well-informed on the issues that matter most. You can find his work and stay updated on current events by visiting vomnews.in.