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Shamah’s long wait: Displaced villagers hope for new home after years of delay

Shamah, a village in the Shillai Assembly constituency of the Trans-Giri area in Sirmaur district, has been grappling with the menace of land subsidence for over two decades. The situation, which worsened drastically after a significant landslide in 2013, forced...
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Shamah village has been grappling with the menace of land subsidence for over two decades.
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Shamah, a village in the Shillai Assembly constituency of the Trans-Giri area in Sirmaur district, has been grappling with the menace of land subsidence for over two decades. The situation, which worsened drastically after a significant landslide in 2013, forced many families to leave their ancestral homes in search of safer places.

To address the crisis, the then Chief Minister, Virbhadra Singh, led a commendable initiative in June 17, 2016, allocating 5 bighas and 8 biswas of land in Rampur Ghat, Paonta Sahib, for the resettlement of 36 affected families of Shamah village. Each family was granted a 3-biswa land allotment for building houses. However, due to local opposition and administrative delays, the displaced families are yet to gain rightful possession of the land.

Shamah residents recount the harrowing ordeal of watching their village slowly sink. “The subsidence began in 2000,” said Rajendra Sharma, a resident. By 2013, cracks had appeared in homes—both ancestral and newly constructed—forcing most families to take refuge in nearby safer locations like Tilaurdhar Tibetan settlement. Despite undertaking exhaustive geological investigations, still no cause has been ascertained for sinking of the village.

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The allocation of land in Rampur Ghat, though a significant move, became mired in disputes when neighbouring villagers raised objections during levelling efforts. Despite receiving land deeds, the affected families continue to wait for ownership and the opportunity to rebuild their lives.

Acknowledging the urgency of the situation, Himachal Pradesh’s Industries, Parliamentary Affairs, Labour & Employment Minister, Harshwardhan Chauhan, has pledged swift action to resolve the conflict. “In 2016, the then Chief Minister of Congress government fulfilled his promise by issuing land allotments to the 36 families. I have directed authorities concerned to mediate and resolve the issue, ensuring that the rightful owners receive possession without further delay,” he said.

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For the displaced families of Shamah, the recent assurances from the government rekindle hope for a stable future. Many express optimism that they will soon be able to call Rampur Ghat their new home. “We have waited long enough. We trust the government will keep its word this time,” said Vinod Sharma, another affected resident.

The resolution of this issue will not only provide relief to the Shamah families but also set a precedent for proactive governance in addressing the challenges faced by Himachal Pradesh’s vulnerable communities. With dedicated efforts from both administrative and local leaders, the vision of a new Shamah in Rampur Ghat is poised to become a reality.

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