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Four years after the tragic land subsidence incident due to East West Metro tunnelling work in central Kolkata's Bowbazar, the Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation (KMRC) has promised to construct new homes for the displaced residents by the end of 2025.
The land subsidence, which occurred during tunnelling operations, rendered many residents homeless when multiple houses collapsed. The catastrophe had left an indelible mark on Bowbazar’s history and its residents, with some even taking to the streets recently, holding a candlelight rally to voice their demands. Protesters blocked B B Ganguly Street at its intersection with Durga Pituri Lane, the area where significant damages were reported.
In response, A.K. Nandy, General Manager of Administration for the Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation, assured, "By the first week of April, 2024, we will commence the construction of new structures for those affected." He further clarified that the process of tendering for the building contracts is currently in progress and estimated a construction duration of approximately one and a half years.
Still, some residents are sceptical. Biswajit Motilal, the president of an association representing the affected individuals, revealed that approximately 155 of them remain displaced due to their homes either having collapsed or sustaining major damages. KMRC has been covering the rent for alternative lodgings for these displaced residents.
Offering solace, senior KMRC officials met with the aggrieved residents last week, reaffirming their commitment to completing the houses by December 2025. Furthermore, for those residents whose homes were partially affected, KMRC has invited them to submit damage details through the local councillor for necessary reparations.
It is noteworthy that this wasn’t an isolated incident. On May 2022, further ground subsidence due to water seepage damaged three more homes. Additionally, a separate incident in October 2022 saw the evacuation of many residents when water seepage induced cracks in 12 buildings in Madan Dutta Lane.
Currently, the East West Metro corridor linking Howrah Maidan to Salt Lake Sector V is partially functional, with a stretch between Sector V and Sealdah stations in operation. The unfortunate incidents at Bowbazar have contributed to the delays in the completion of this significant metro project.
In conclusion, as the East West Metro project advances, ensuring the safety and well-being of the affected residents remains paramount. While the KMRC's commitment to rebuilding is commendable, it underscores the broader challenges of urban infrastructure projects and their impact on local communities.
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