Tensions escalated in Kolkata’s Bowbazar area as residents of Durga Pituri Lane staged protests on Friday, following the appearance of fresh cracks and water leakage in buildings. The residents allege that ongoing drilling for the Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation (KMRCL) in the east-west Metro corridor is to blame for the damage, reported PTI.
On Thursday night, KMRCL officials evacuated 52 residents from 11 families, relocating them to nearby hotels as a precautionary measure after an underground water leak was detected during tunnel drilling between the Sealdah and Esplanade stretch. KMRCL assured the public that the leak has been controlled. “We have moved 52 people to four nearby hotels as a precaution. Engineers have said the leak is under control, but we’ll monitor the situation for another day or two before allowing residents to return,” said a KMRCL official.
Despite these assurances, local residents expressed frustration, accusing the authorities of not taking responsibility for the persistent issues. “Since 2019, KMRCL has failed to provide a deadline for resolving these problems. People are fed up,” said local councillor Biswarup Dey.
Residents briefly blocked access to the Central Metro station during office hours, causing disruption for commuters. Police were called in to restore order and disperse the crowd. “Every officer is shifting responsibility to someone else. We want someone to take responsibility,” demanded one frustrated resident.
The area has seen recurring problems with subsidence and structural damage since 2022. Significant cracks were reported in Durga Pituri Lane in both 2022 and 2023, but the issues remain unresolved. With frustration mounting, residents have threatened to stage protests on the Metro tracks if their concerns are not addressed soon.
The situation remains volatile as locals continue to demand accountability from the KMRCL and a permanent solution to the ongoing problems caused by the Metro construction work.
(With inputs from PTI)