Three Miners Killed in Keonjhar Landslide Near Dalpahara, Police Probe Underway
After a challenging rescue effort hampered by heavy rain, their bodies were retrieved. The Joda police are now investigating the incident, raising concerns about unregulated mining practices in the region.
A disastrous landslide struck near Dalpahara in the Bichkundi area of Odisha’s Keonjhar district, claiming the lives of three individuals. The victims, identified as Sandeep Murti, Guru Champia, and Kande Munda, were working in the area when the earth gave way, burying them under debris.
Hazardous Mining Conditions
The landslide, suspected to be triggered by heavy rainfall and unstable soil in the mining zone, has raised serious concerns about safety practices in Keonjhar’s manganese mines. The Bichkundi area, part of the ecologically sensitive Baitarani Reserve Forest, has been a hotspot for mining activities, some reportedly illegal. Preliminary reports suggest that unregulated digging may have weakened the terrain, contributing to the collapse that trapped the workers.
Rescue Efforts and Recovery
Rescue operations were launched swiftly, with local authorities, police, and disaster response teams working tirelessly to recover the victims. Battling heavy rain and treacherous conditions, the teams retrieved the bodies of Sandeep Murti, Guru Champia, and Kande Munda after nearly six hours of effort. The operation, though successful in recovering the deceased, underscored the challenges of conducting rescues in remote and hazardous mining sites, prompting calls for better emergency preparedness.
Ongoing Investigation
The Joda police have initiated a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the landslide and assess whether safety violations or illegal mining played a role. Authorities are examining the mining operations in the area, focusing on compliance with environmental and labor regulations. The incident has sparked outrage among locals, who demand stricter oversight to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Three Miners killed in Landslide
This heartbreaking loss highlights the dangers faced by workers in Odisha’s mining sector and the urgent need for robust safety measures. As the investigation continues, the Keonjhar landslide serves as a grim reminder of the human cost of unchecked industrial activities, urging authorities to prioritize worker safety and environmental protection.
