Tensions have surged in Kolkata’s Bowbazar district as residents of Durga Pituri Lane protested on Friday, citing new structural damage and water leakage linked to ongoing drilling operations for the Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation (KMRCL). The disturbances come amid mounting frustration from locals who argue that the metro project’s construction work is exacerbating their plight.
On the previous night, KMRCL took precautionary action by evacuating 52 residents from 11 families, relocating them to nearby hotels. This measure followed the discovery of an underground water leak during tunnel drilling between the Sealdah and Esplanade sections of the east-west Metro corridor. KMRCL officials have since assured that the leak has been controlled. “We have relocated 52 individuals to four nearby hotels as a preventive step. While engineers have assured that the situation is under control, we will continue to monitor it closely for the next few days before permitting residents to return,” a KMRCL spokesperson confirmed.
Despite these assurances, local residents remain sceptical and discontented. They accuse KMRCL of insufficiently addressing their concerns and failing to provide a concrete timeline for resolving ongoing issues. “The delays and lack of communication since 2019 have left people disillusioned. The authorities need to take responsibility and act swiftly,” remarked a local councillor. The situation highlights the growing unease among residents about the impact of large-scale infrastructure projects on their daily lives. The Bowbazar protests underscore the broader challenges of managing urban development projects while ensuring the safety and well-being of affected communities. As KMRCL continues its work on the metro corridor, balancing project progress with effective mitigation of adverse effects remains a critical concern.
