Himachal’s Lahaul-Spiti village land sinks, 9 out of 16 houses develop cracks
The situation in Lindur village, situated in Himachal Pradesh‘s Lahaul and Spiti district, is concerning, with reports of land sinking leading to the development of cracks in multiple houses. The distressing condition has forced around 70 residents to seek refuge in the open, fearing the imminent collapse of their homes. The situation is compounded by the fact that the villagers’ agricultural land has also suffered damage due to the appearance of fissures.
The residents have rightly called for a geological survey to be conducted to determine the underlying causes of the land subsidence and subsequent structural damage. Conducting a comprehensive geological survey is crucial in identifying the root causes of the sinking land and cracks, thus providing essential insights into potential remedial measures and long-term solutions to address the issue effectively.
The gravity of the situation is reflected in the fact that nine out of the 16 houses in the village have already developed cracks, and four of these have been declared unsafe, according to Sarita, the Pradhan of Goharama Gram Panchayat. Such a situation not only poses an immediate threat to the safety and well-being of the villagers but also underscores the urgent need for prompt and effective intervention from the relevant authorities.
Given the risks posed to both the residents’ safety and their livelihoods, it is imperative for the concerned authorities to swiftly initiate measures to assess the geological factors contributing to the land sinking, prioritize the safety of the affected households, and develop comprehensive strategies to mitigate the immediate risks and prevent further damage.
Engaging with geological experts and implementing proactive measures based on their recommendations can play a vital role in safeguarding the village’s residents and ensuring the long-term stability and sustainability of the affected area.
The potential connection between the seepage of water from the nearby Jahmala nullah, which experiences annual flooding, and the observed land sinking and cracks in Lindur village in Himachal Pradesh’s Lahaul and Spiti district underscores the urgent need for a thorough geological survey. As suggested by Sarita, the Pradhan of Goharama Gram Panchayat, an in-depth assessment by the Geological Department is crucial to accurately identify the underlying causes of the land subsidence and structural damage in the village.
While cracks have indeed surfaced in several houses, officials have already visited the affected area to assess the situation. The affected villagers have been offered the option to relocate to safer locations, although no one has opted to move out thus far, according to Deputy Commissioner of Lahaul and Spiti, Rahul Kumar. This indicates the residents’ strong emotional attachment to their homes despite the potential risks posed by the deteriorating structural integrity.
To allay the fears and concerns of the residents, the authorities have taken decisive steps, with the Tehsildar instructed to provide immediate relief to the affected families. This proactive measure is essential in ensuring that the affected villagers receive the necessary support and assistance to mitigate the immediate impact of the crisis.
While the situation is currently manageable, the nervousness among the villagers underscores the need for a comprehensive and proactive approach from the authorities to address the issue. By prioritizing the safety and well-being of the residents and actively engaging with geological experts to determine the root cause of the problem, the authorities can develop a robust strategy to mitigate the risks and ensure the long-term stability and security of the village.
The urgent appeal to the government for the canalization of the Jahmala nullah to address the persistent seepage issues not only emphasizes the critical need for a long-term solution but also underscores the broader impact of the problem on multiple panchayats. With the seepage problem affecting two to three panchayats, it is evident that the issue extends beyond the immediate vicinity, necessitating a comprehensive and collaborative effort from the authorities to implement effective measures that can safeguard the entire region from potential hazards.
The district administration’s proactive step in reaching out to the Indian Institute of Technology, Mandi, for a comprehensive study and recommendations highlights the commitment to seeking expert guidance and insights in developing a sustainable and effective remedy for the ongoing challenges. By leveraging the expertise of renowned institutions such as the Indian Institute of Technology, the authorities can access specialized knowledge and innovative solutions that can effectively address the complex geological and hydrological issues plaguing the area.
The reference to a similar alarming situation in Joshimath, Uttarakhand earlier in the year serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with such geological vulnerabilities. The unfortunate incident in Joshimath, which necessitated the evacuation of a large number of residents to safer locations, underlines the critical importance of implementing preventive measures and adopting a proactive approach to address potential threats posed by land subsidence and structural instability.
As the authorities continue to collaborate with experts and seek long-term solutions to the seepage problem, it is imperative that they prioritize the safety and well-being of the affected communities and work diligently to implement sustainable measures that can effectively mitigate the risks and ensure the long-term stability and security of the region.
