Archive · 30 Jan 2026
Soil caves in at Talcher causing panic
A big hole suddenly appeared in a farm in Talcher, Odisha, causing fear among the people living nearby.
The hole was very deep and wide, and it happened because of old underground coal mining.
The people called the authorities, who came and blocked the area to keep everyone safe.
This has happened before in other parts of Talcher.
Some people are worried because the town is in a shaky area and the ground is not being filled properly.
The authorities are checking what happened and will do an investigation.
A 15 feet wide and 10 feet deep hole formed in an agricultural field in Handidhua, Talcher, due to underground coal mining.
Residents alerted Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) and local administration, who barricaded the area for safety.
Locals blame inadequate sand backfill for the land subsidence, a recurring issue in Talcher's former underground mining areas.
Former municipal chairman expressed concern over the town's safety, urging the government and MCL to take effective measures.
MCL's General Manager denied it was subsidence, stating an official team is assessing the situation and an inquiry will follow.
- Who
- Residents of Handidhua, Talcher, and local authorities
- What
- Formation of a deep, well-like hole in an agricultural field
- When
- Wednesday evening
- Where
- Handidhua, Talcher, Angul
- Why
- Underground coal mining activities and inadequate sand backfill
- Location
- Handidhua, Talcher, Angul
- Hole Dimensions
- 15 feet wide, 10 feet deep
- Date
- Wednesday evening
- Responsible Authority
- Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL)
- Previous Incidents
- ITI Chhack, Telisahi, Baghuabol