DAYS AFTER land subsidence occurred in the Belgachia Vagar area (dumping ground) of Howrah city, Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly Suvendu Adhikari along with other BJP leaders on Monday visited the affected area and met residents, many of whom who are now homeless.
There was tension in the area after the group scuffled with the police, which allegedly blocked Adhikari’s entry to the area. Adhikari alleged that he was assaulted by a policeman during the altercation. The police, however, did not respond immediately to Adhikari’s allegations.
A significant land subsidence took place on Thursday morning, damaging critical infrastructure, including a 1-km-long water pipeline, crucial for water supply in the region.
According to the residents, there was a major road cave-in on Thursday that triggered a landslide at the nearby garbage dump, due to which the water pipeline in the area burst. This led to wide cracks in multiple houses, including a local anganwadi centre.
The rupture led to an acute water shortage in several wards of Howrah Municipal Corporation, affecting thousands of residents, sources said.
Adhikari told residents, “We are committed to supporting you, whether the state government does so or not…Leave that. Our relief camp will continue to operate, providing essential aid. We will do everything in our power to ensure that you receive justice and humanitarian support. We are setting up relief camps, distributing food and tarpaulins and offering financial assistance to the affected families.”
The senior BJP leader also alleged that the state government is not providing any assistance. “The government is aware of the dumping ground here, it is a scary situation. The state government will not do anything as there are no Rohingyas living here. After seeing everything, we feel that the TMC government is insensitive.”
Meanwhile, as Adhikari tried entering other affected areas as well to meet the resident, the Howrah police stopped him, pointing out that the area was unsafe due to land subsidence, which led to a scuffle.
During the altercation, Adhikari alleged that a sub-inspector had hit him. “What does Leader of Opposition mean? Why will they (police) stop me? We will fight for you,” Adhikari said.
Meanwhile, a large police contingent was deployed in front of Howrah municipality as BJP lead a protest rally, alleging “corruption”. After they were stopped by the police, the BJP staged a sit-in protest.
Earlier in the day Kolkata Mayor and state minister Firhad Hakim visited the area, the locals informed him that water as well as supply has still not been restored .
Hakim held a meeting with police and other officials after visiting the area .
Hakim told mediapersons, “We are making arrangements for alternatives at the earliest… This will take 3-4 days’ time. The Centre is not giving any money for the rural or city areas… We are doing everything with our own funds. We will give them new homes. We will rehabilitate them soon. We will hold a meeting and find a vacant spot. Water, electricity… Everything will be given to them .”