Howrah subsidence: Suvendu Adhikari, Minister Firhad Hakim visit site as anger simmers among residents

Opposition leader and Minister visit Belgachi, Howrah, after ground subsidence causes house collapses, sparking protests for rehabilitation and basic facilities.

Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari and Minister for Urban Development Firhad Hakim on Monday (March 24, 2025) visited Belgachi in Howrah where ground subsidence has led to collapse of several houses bringing hundreds of families on the streets.

Tension prevailed in the area located near a garbage dump and locals continued to protests seeking rehabilitation by the State government. Due to the subsidence, water pipeline in the area was ruptured, leading to acute water shortage in several wards of Howrah Municipal Corporation.

While there was announcement by the authorities that people whose houses have been destroyed should be ready with necessary documents relating to their identity, the locals particularly women continued to protest highlighting the lack of basic facilities, including no water and lack of housing.

In certain parts of the area water logging was also reported and residents had to wade through dirty waters.

The area has been witnessing land subsidence since March 21, and on Monday (March 24, 2025), water tankers have been pressed into service and water pouches have been distributed by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) and Howrah Municipal Corporation

Leader of Opposition (LoP) Suvendu Adhikari who visited the area and had an altercation with the police personnel deployed in the area. Mr. Adhikari accused a sub-inspector present at the venue of hitting him, showing a bleeding hand to substantiate his claims.

“Today I went to meet the affected families, however the Mamata (Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee) Police tried to obstruct my path and even started a skirmish on the spot to deter me from meeting the victims.... Due to this I have sustained injury on my hand. The Mamata Police must understand that I have fought the Communist Regime and uprooted their evil empire,” Mr. Adhikari posted on social media, sharing a video of the incident. The LoP also distributed food and essentials to the people affected by the subsidence.