Entire Village Abandoned Due to Landslide Threat

Mandi, Aug 23

A precarious situation has unfolded in the Thalout village under the Balichowki sub-district due to faulty construction work. The village has been rendered deserted, forcing 35 households to vacate completely. Despite their reluctance, residents have been compelled to leave their homes and seek refuge in rented rooms in nearby Thalout Bazaar.

Massive Cracks and Imminent Collapse Threaten the Village
Locals allege that improper cutting during construction has led to significant cracks appearing in all the houses, rendering them uninhabitable. The condition of the houses is so dire that the entire village might be at risk of collapse at any moment. As a result, affected villagers from Thalout have started relocating to Thalout Bazaar and its vicinity, carrying their belongings to rent rooms for accommodation.

Prabhavati Devi, one of the affected residents, explained that her entire family has been left homeless. They even lack space to prepare meals. Forced to abandon their homes, they are now staying elsewhere due to the dangerous living conditions. She emphasized that they are not seeking financial aid from the government, but merely requesting land to build houses upon.

The situation was highlighted by Devi Singh, Baldev Thakur, and Prem Singh Thakur, who explained that the tragedy in their village is a result of incorrect cutting during construction. About a year and a half ago, cracks had started appearing in their entire village and houses. At that time, the administration, along with NHAI and other individuals, visited the site and held discussions, but no solution was provided. Now, the consequence of that negligence has led the village to the brink of collapse. Unfortunately, the administration has not yet shown any concern regarding the current disaster. The affected villagers are appealing for assistance from NHAI and the government.

When contacted, SDM Balichowki Mohan Lal Sharma informed that efforts are being made to find a solution through NHAI to address the villagers’ problems. An assessment of living and eating arrangements has been conducted on-site, and no complaints have been received. Correspondence has been initiated between NHAI and the district administration, and a solution will be reached soon.