Tensions Rise in Bowbazar Over Persistent Building Cracks

Residents of Durga Pituri Lane in Bowbazar clashed with Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation (KMRCL) officials over recurring building cracks and water leaks allegedly caused by metro tunnel drilling. KMRCL relocated 52 people as a precaution, but residents are demanding accountability and resolution. The situation remains tense, with threats of protests.

Tensions in Bowbazar escalated on Friday as residents engaged in a verbal clash with Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation (KMRCL) officials over persistent building cracks and water leaks, believed to be caused by metro tunnel drilling operations.

On Thursday night, KMRCL relocated 52 individuals to local hotels as a precautionary measure following reports of an underground water leak during the tunnel drilling in the Sealdah-Esplanade segment of the east-west Metro corridor.

A KMRCL official stated, 'We have moved 52 people from 11 families to four nearby hotels as a precaution. Engineers said the leak has been contained, but we will monitor the situation for another day or two before allowing residents to return.' However, residents expressed frustration, claiming that no one is taking responsibility for the recurring issues. Local councillor Biswarup Dey echoed these sentiments, highlighting that the problems have persisted since 2019 without a clear resolution timeline. In a show of protest, residents briefly blocked access to the Central Metro station, causing disruption during office hours. Swift intervention by the Kolkata Police restored order. The ongoing issues of subsidence and building cracks have led to significant damage since 2022, keeping the situation highly volatile with threats of further protests from residents if their concerns remain unaddressed.

(With inputs from agencies.)