Dhanbad, September 8, 2026: A major land subsidence in Sijua 10 Number area under Jogta police station early Tuesday morning triggered panic after several houses collapsed and deep cracks appeared across the surrounding ground. A child died during treatment after the incident, while several others were injured.
The subsidence occurred at around 5:30 am, when most residents were reportedly asleep. A loud sound was followed by the sudden sinking of a large portion of the ground, bringing down houses in the affected area.
Child dies during treatment
Several people, including two children and around half a dozen women, were injured in the incident.
Local residents began rescue efforts immediately after the subsidence and took the injured to hospital for treatment. One child later died during treatment.
The incident left residents frightened as cracks appeared on the ground in the surrounding area.
Residents demand rehabilitation and compensation
A large number of residents gathered at the site following the incident and expressed anger over the situation.
Local residents alleged that prolonged coal mining and underground activities had weakened the ground in the area. They claimed that effective rehabilitation measures had not been taken despite the risks faced by people living in vulnerable locations.
They demanded immediate rehabilitation of affected families, safe relocation and adequate compensation from the administration and Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL).
The allegations regarding the causes of the subsidence and responsibility for the incident have not been independently established.
MLA visits affected families
Baghmara MLA Shatrughan Mahto visited the affected area after receiving information about the incident and met families affected by the subsidence.
The MLA held the state government and BCCL responsible for the situation and said greater attention was needed to ensure the safety and rehabilitation of people living in areas considered vulnerable to land subsidence.
Katras-Sijua road blocked
Angry residents later blocked the Katras-Sijua main road in protest, disrupting traffic in the area.
The protesters remained firm on their demands for permanent rehabilitation, safety measures and appropriate compensation for affected families.
The incident has left the Sijua area tense, with residents seeking immediate measures to protect people living in areas vulnerable to further ground movement.
