Rourkela: Members of Geological Survey of India (GSI) visited the Jabghat village under Bisra block on Saturday to know why the earth is caving in there which led to the formation of three big depressions on the ground.

Two GSI experts - Debi Prasad Sahu and Shyam Kumar - took stock of situation and collected soil samples.

They made a thorough reconnaissance of the place where the holes appeared on the surface following incessant rain this month. One of the holes is reported to be increasing in size.

Sahu said: "We have collected soil samples for testing in Bhubaneswar. It will be difficult to tell anything before the examination."

On being asked if tunnels dating back to a few hundred years actually exist at these spot as local resident say, Sahu said: "Let us first ascertain the condition of the soil. Scientific research will tell us exactly what caused the depression. At this moment I do not want to say anything."

On 6th and 7th of this month, the area witnessed heavy rainfall. Following the rain, first two holes, appeared near the house of Parbati Mundari. This created immediate panic and soon administration was informed about it. The villagers were concerned about the safety of the couple of houses situated near the depressions. And then on 11th the third hole appeared near Mundari's house.

Mundari said: "I was planning to construct two rooms so I started digging the soil a few days ago. But, on the night of 7th it rained heavily and the next day morning I found the two holes there and I am really scared about the safety of my house and family. People are saying various things but I am scared about my safety."

Villager Sukhdev Mundari said: "I have heard from my grandparents that there was a palace in this area. The family members of the king shifted to some coastal area but other members lived here. It is said the palace is buried under ground here and these tunnels could be part of it."