Kolkata’s Belur Math of Calamities: Bengal’s Belgachia Sinks, Residents Stranded Without Shelter, Water, and Power
As the earth shook beneath their feet, residents of Belgachia Vagar, a Kolkata suburb, were left reeling in the aftermath of a sudden land subsidence that has left them stranded without basic amenities. The unearthing of a garbage dump caused widespread destruction, as cracked roads and over 100 collapsed houses brought countless lives to a standstill.
The subsidence, which occurred on Thursday morning, damaged a 1-km-long water pipeline, resulting in an acute water shortage in several wards of the Howrah Municipal Corporation. This has left thousands of residents, including women and children, struggling to survive. “The ground suddenly rose, and everything around us collapsed,” explains 35-year-old Gauri Debi, who has been affected by the disaster. “We ran out of the house, and this morning, the entire house collapsed, leaving us with nothing.”
The 16-year-old Monisha Shaw, who recently appeared for her Madhyamik exams, laments the loss of her family’s home, saying, “I just want a roof over our head, food, and water. Where is everyone now?” Her 9-year-old brother, and her mother, who rely on her father’s daily wage, are among the many affected. “We daily wage earners, and this has just added to our woes,” says Ajay Paswan, trying to make sense of the crisis.
As the situation worsens, the people of Belgachia Vagar are left grappling with the uncertainty of their future. The affected residents, mostly ragpickers and odd-job workers, are struggling to come to terms with the destruction of their homes and livelihoods. Poonam Paswan, a frustrated resident, wonders, “Before the elections, they come with their hands folded, seeking votes. Now, where are they?”
Senior officials have assessed the damage, and a disaster response team has been deployed to assist in the relief efforts. Efforts are underway to restore essential services and provide temporary shelter to the affected. Arup Roy, the State Minister and Trinamool Congress MLA, has promised assistance, assuring that “efforts are being made to address the issue and provide help.” Meanwhile, rival party leaders, including Gautam Chowdhury and Rudranil Ghosh, have also visited the site, criticizing the ruling party’s handling of the crisis. As the situation remains grim, the people of Belgachia Vagar can only hope for a swift and effective recovery.
Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/kolkata/bengal-land-sinks-in-belgachia-residents-left-without-roof-water-and-power-9902407/
Category : Cities,Kolkata
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Publish Date: 2025-03-24 06:51:00
