A sudden land subsidence crisis has hit the Sambal area of Khaliyar Ward under the Mandi Municipal Corporation in Himachal Pradesh, pushing the six-member family of local resident Tilak Ram to the brink of homelessness. As the ground beneath and adjacent to their home continues to sink, deep cracks have spread across the property and the building itself. Forced to live under the constant dread of structural failure, the affected family members state that local authorities have failed to provide timely intervention or relief.
Questions Raised Over Nearby Tunnel Blasting
Extensive structural fissures have emerged right alongside Tilak Ram's residence in Sambal, creating wide gaps in the soil that threaten the entire foundation. Over time, these ground fractures have extended directly into the residential structure, causing walls to crack open. Family members Tilak Ram and Prem Lata shared that such an unprecedented event had never occurred in their locality before, leaving them baffled regarding the sudden geomorphic instability.
However, the family points to an ongoing tunnel construction project located a short distance from their home, where regular underground blasting is conducted for excavation. Tilak Ram and Prem Lata have demanded a comprehensive technical investigation to determine whether the heavy blasting activity is directly triggering the ground settlement. Furthermore, they have urged the administration to initiate immediate engineering interventions to arrest further ground movement and safeguard their living quarters from total collapse.
Life Savings at Risk and Administrative Apathy
Expressing their anguish, family members Uttam Chand and Bhanvi explained that they invested their entire life savings into constructing this single home and now possess no alternative assets or reserves. Despite the daily hazard posed by the sinking terrain, the family has no option but to remain inside the compromised house.
According to the affected family, officials from the Revenue Department did visit the location to conduct an on-site inspection, yet no concrete mitigation work or administrative relief followed. Desperate for help, the family lodged a formal complaint through the Chief Minister Helpline, only to receive a disheartening response from officials who stated that financial compensation would only be sanctioned after the house completely collapses. This callous administrative stance has shattered the family's morale, leaving them exposed to severe danger without any safety net.
Mayor Assures Inspection and Support
Addressing the escalating disaster in Khaliyar Ward's Sambal locality, Mandi Municipal Corporation Mayor Suman Thakur acknowledged that the issue has come to her official notice. She assured the community that she will personally inspect the site alongside a specialized administrative team in the near future to thoroughly assess the ground reality.
Mayor Suman Thakur added that the municipal administration will attempt to extend all feasible assistance and emergency support to aid the distressed family. Nevertheless, with ongoing construction activities and risk of further settlement, the family continues to await swift physical action on the ground to stabilize the sinking land.
