IndiaEnvironment
Soapstone mining linked to land subsidence damaging homes in Uttarakhand's Bageshwar
Residents in Bageshwar district, Uttarakhand, report land subsidence, widening cracks and damage to houses and farmland they link to soapstone mining. Reports from 2024 said more than 200 houses across the district had been affected.
Soapstone mining in Uttarakhand's Bageshwar district is emerging as a serious threat to homes, farmland and lives, with residents reporting land subsidence, widening cracks and damage to buildings in areas affected by underground and open-cast operations.
Prem Ram, an ex-serviceman from Kanda who served in the Indian Army during the 1965, 1967 and 1971 conflicts, is battling to protect his house and land. Ram alleges that ground movement intensified after soapstone mining began above his home, leaving visible fissures and damaging a few houses belonging to his family.
"I never imagined that after serving as a soldier, I would face such a situation in retirement," Ram said.
The problem is not new. Reports published in 2024 said more than 200 houses across Bageshwar had been affected.
IndiaEnvironment
Soapstone mining linked to land subsidence damaging homes in Uttarakhand's Bageshwar
Residents in Bageshwar district, Uttarakhand, report land subsidence, widening cracks and damage to houses and farmland they link to soapstone mining. Reports from 2024 said more than 200 houses across the district had been affected.
Soapstone mining in Uttarakhand's Bageshwar district is emerging as a serious threat to homes, farmland and lives, with residents reporting land subsidence, widening cracks and damage to buildings in areas affected by underground and open-cast operations.
Prem Ram, an ex-serviceman from Kanda who served in the Indian Army during the 1965, 1967 and 1971 conflicts, is battling to protect his house and land. Ram alleges that ground movement intensified after soapstone mining began above his home, leaving visible fissures and damaging a few houses belonging to his family.
"I never imagined that after serving as a soldier, I would face such a situation in retirement," Ram said.
The problem is not new. Reports published in 2024 said more than 200 houses across Bageshwar had been affected.