Bikaner Ground Collapse: 40 Foot Deep Hole Triggers Panic in Nokha Residential Area

The incident occurred in the Nokha town of Bikaner district, specifically in a residential area that has now been gripped by intense fear. The sudden subsidence of the earth has resulted in a massive crater that measures approximately 30 feet in width and reaches a staggering depth of 40 feet. As soon as the news of the ground caving in spread, a large number of local residents gathered at the site, witnessing the alarming sight of the earth opening up in the middle of their neighborhood. According to the local inhabitants, the subsidence has placed several nearby residential houses on the brink of collapse, leading to a widespread atmosphere of panic and uncertainty among the people living in the vicinity.

Historical Context and Previous Incidents

This particular area, located near Kana Maharaj ki Khedi on Roda Road, has a troubling history with such geological failures. 5 years ago, during which 3 houses were completely swallowed by the earth. At that time, the then District Collector, Namrata Vrishni, had personally visited the site to inspect the situation and assess the damage. Despite that high-level intervention in the past, the recurrence of the problem has left the community feeling vulnerable and neglected by the current administration.

Demands for Safety and Relocation

The affected families are now urgently demanding that the administration conduct a thorough survey to identify and mark the danger zones. They're calling for the immediate relocation of families living in high-risk areas to safer locations to prevent any potential loss of life. Maganaram Kendli, a local resident, expressed his frustration, stating that such incidents of ground collapse are becoming frequent. He suggested that the municipality should officially take over these hazardous spots and install proper fencing to ensure the safety of both humans and livestock. Kendli also highlighted the plight of those who were issued land leases (pattas) by the government without being informed of the underlying risks. He cited the example of a woman whose house was entirely destroyed in a previous collapse and who is now forced to live under a makeshift tent. He questioned the accountability of the government, asking who the citizens should trust when the houses they built on government-approved land are no longer safe.

Allegations Against Developers

Adding to the concerns, another resident, Lalchand Bhadu, pointed out that this cycle of ground subsidence has been ongoing for the past 2 years. He mentioned that after the collapse of 3 houses eighteen months ago, the area was initially cordoned off following a visit from the collectorate, but it was later reopened. Bhadu revealed a grim statistic, noting that at least 5 to 7 cows have already lost their lives due to these pits. He explained the root cause of the issue, alleging that the area sits atop old, abandoned mines. According to Bhadu, greedy land developers purchased these mine-riddled plots and filled them with loose soil to create residential colonies. Over time, gases accumulated at the edges of these underground voids, and the recent rains likely triggered the collapse of the unstable fill. While no human casualties have been reported in this latest incident, the community remains on edge, fearing a major disaster. They're demanding that all residents holding valid leases be provided with fair compensation and shifted to secure housing elsewhere.