Himachal’s Dyod Village Sinks Again, Residents Panic

Dyod (Mandi) – The ground beneath Dyod village in Drang Assembly Constituency has sunk yet again, forming a massive crater and sparking fear among its residents. This is the second time in six months that land subsidence has occurred in the village, raising serious concerns about its safety.

This small village had first experienced such a disaster in September 2024, when a deep crater had formed, taking 10 days to fill. Now, another gigantic sinkhole has appeared right next to the previous one, triggering fresh panic. Villagers allege that the ongoing tunnel construction for a four-lane highway beneath the village is causing the ground to cave in.

The latest subsidence has left 30 residents of this small village terrified. The crater, which started forming on Tuesday, has continued to expand. From its edge, only darkness is visible, and strange noises emanating from it have deepened the fear among villagers.

Ved Kumari (55), a local resident, expressed her distress: “Yesterday, we noticed cracks forming, and by evening, a massive crater had opened up. We can hear weird sounds from inside. It feels like the earth beneath us is collapsing. We are too scared to sleep at night.”

Hardev Sharma (60), another resident, echoed similar fears: “The government and the company assured us that the September 2024 incident was a one-time occurrence. But here we are again. If this continues, our houses will be swallowed next. We need a permanent solution, not temporary patchwork.”

Sangeeta (35), who lives with her family near the crater, added: “We have nowhere else to go. Every time the ground shakes, we fear our homes will crumble. Either stop the tunnel construction or relocate us to a safer place.”

The village comprises 10 houses, most of which are now at risk. The families claim that despite repeated complaints, no solid measures have been taken by the authorities or the construction company. Villagers firmly believe that the ongoing tunnel construction for a four-lane highway beneath their village is directly responsible for the land subsidence.

“Ever since they started blasting for the tunnel, our land has been cracking. In September 2024, the first crater appeared, and now another one has formed. If this is not due to the tunnel, then what is causing it?” questioned Hardev Sharma.

However, Adarsh Panhotra, Team Leader of Shapoorji Pallonji Company, which is overseeing the tunnel construction, denied any link between the tunnel work and the sinking land. “This has nothing to do with the tunnel construction. Even during the previous incident, our tunnel was unaffected.

We are investigating the cause, but blaming the tunnel without evidence is not justified,” said Panhotra. He also added that the company filled the crater last time and will take necessary steps again.

Frustrated by repeated subsidence, residents are now demanding a permanent solution. They have urged the government and the company to provide them with land in exchange for their homes and relocate them to a safer location. “We cannot live in fear forever.

Instead of filling craters after they appear, why not shift us somewhere safe?” asked Ved Kumari. Local authorities are yet to respond to the fresh demands, but villagers insist they will continue to push for relocation until they feel safe.

The Dyod village incident highlights a larger issue of land instability in Himachal Pradesh, particularly in regions witnessing heavy construction activity.

While investigations are ongoing, experts believe that unchecked tunnel digging, excessive blasting, and geological vulnerabilities could be factors contributing to such incidents. For now, Dyod residents live under constant fear, waiting for authorities to take decisive action before another disaster strikes.

Munish Sood