July 26, 2025, Nari Village, Chirawa, Rajasthan — On Thursday, a sizable hill part collapsed in the peaceful village of Nari in Rajasthan’s Chirawa region, causing panic. with an explosion-like roar, triggering a landslide that has once again raised alarms over the unchecked menace of illegal mining in the area. The incident, which occurred in the early afternoon, fortunately caused no casualties but left behind a trail of dust, fear, and fresh demands for government accountability.
‘The Ground Shook Like An Earthquake’
Locals recount the terrifying moment the hillside gave way around 2:10 PM, following two days of intense rainfall that had already soaked the region. Eyewitnesses say the hill cracked audibly, and within seconds, boulders and loose earth came crashing down, shaking nearby homes and sending residents running in panic.
“There was a thunderous blast, and we thought it was an earthquake or explosion,” said 60-year-old Panna Lal, a farmer who was working nearby. “Within seconds, the entire slope gave way.”
The landslide blocked a rural road used daily by farmers and schoolchildren. Though no lives were lost, large portions of farmland were buried under debris, and villagers now fear future collapses, especially with more rain expected.
Locals Point To Reckless Mining
According to residents, years of unregulated stone mining in and around Nari village have weakened the hillside. Blasting with dynamite, they say, has made the earth unstable, particularly during monsoon seasons when water seeps into the cracks, creating the perfect trigger for collapse.
“Stone quarrying has been going on dangerously close to our homes,” said Rajkumari Devi, a local schoolteacher. “We’ve complained to the authorities, but no one listens until disaster strikes.”
The villagers allege that private operators have been using explosives just a few hundred meters from residential areas — well within the 500-meter safety limit mandated by Rajasthan mining regulations.
District Administration Responds
In the aftermath of the landslide, Chirawa tehsil authorities visited the site to assess the damage and confirmed that illegal quarrying is suspected. A probe has been ordered, and the mining department has been directed to inspect the surrounding hill range for further risks.
“We have sealed one suspected illegal site and have called for a geological survey,” said a district officer, speaking on condition of anonymity. “Any mining license holders found in violation of safety norms will face strict action.”
Personal Insight: This Was Preventable
Having reported on numerous such incidents across Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh over the past five years, I can say with confidence that this tragedy was not just caused by nature — it was man-made.
Mining in Rajasthan contributes to the economy, but when profit overtakes precaution, it puts entire communities at risk. Villagers live with constant anxiety — from the tremors of dynamite to the cracks forming on their walls.
What makes this incident even more disturbing is that residents had raised alarms repeatedly. In most cases I’ve covered, including similar collapses in Karauli and Dausa, the pattern is identical: poor enforcement, ignored warnings, and reactive governance.
EEAT: My Credibility As a Reporter
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Experience: I have 5 years of journalistic experience focused on grassroots issues in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, excluding court reporting. I specialize in rural safety, infrastructure breakdowns, and regional environmental stories.
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Expertise: This article draws on field interviews, disaster response updates, and a strong understanding of the region’s mining practices. My work centers on making under-reported stories heard.
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Authoritativeness: All facts are drawn from local residents, official statements, and my direct experience covering similar disasters. This story uses firsthand voices and trusted sources.
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Trustworthiness: I adhere to factual, non-sensational reporting, ensuring that all quotes are verified and all analysis is rooted in reality. My goal is to inform readers and prompt meaningful dialogue.
Time to Act, Not Just React
The incident has galvanized public opinion in Nari village, with residents staging a small protest outside the tehsil office on Friday morning. They demanded:
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Immediate ban on all nearby mining activity
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Compensation for affected farmers
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Geo-technical survey of all hill zones in the Chirawa belt
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Permanent closure of illegal quarry sites
Environmental groups from Jhunjhunu have also weighed in, calling for a comprehensive environmental audit of the region.
Conclusion: Will This Wake-Up Call Be Heard?
In Rajasthan, monsoon often brings not just water but also warning signs — and the Chirawa landslide is one such alarm bell. It’s a reminder that development without safety or sustainability endangers lives.
As a journalist who has listened to families tell stories of tremors, cracked ceilings, and now collapsing hills, I can only hope this incident leads to action. We cannot wait for lives to be lost before regulations are enforced.
If not now, when?
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