Belgachia landslide victims protest again, demand written rehabilitation guarantee from authorities

The victims of the Belgachia landslide in Howrah have once again staged a protest, refusing to vacate the area despite being provided with temporary shelter. The protest is driven by the residents' demand for a written assurance from the administration regarding their rehabilitation. The residents of the nearby Bhagaad area also resumed their protest yesterday after being instructed to leave their homes. Many of them have made it clear that they will not relocate until they receive a formal guarantee for their resettlement.

The landslide, which occurred last month, caused significant damage in Belgachia, with cracks appearing in nearby houses. The local administration responded by offering temporary shelter and planning to relocate the affected families to safer areas. However, the administration has not provided a written commitment about their long-term rehabilitation, which has led to growing unrest among the affected residents. Many feel insecure about the future without a formal guarantee of resettlement.

In the face of the authorities' orders to vacate the premises, the residents of Belgachia and Bhagaad have shown resistance, insisting on the written assurance before leaving. The administration's current plan to relocate them depends on soil tests and the preparation of new housing, which the residents claim they do not trust without a formal, documented promise. As the protests continue, the local government faces mounting pressure to address the concerns of the displaced residents and provide clarity on their future.

Meanwhile, environmental concerns are adding another layer of complexity to the situation. Environmentalist Subhash Dutta, who recently inspected the Bhagaad area, has warned that the region is unsafe for habitation due to the unstable conditions following the landslide. He emphasized that no further waste should be disposed of in the area until thorough testing and safety measures are implemented. His findings further highlight the urgency of addressing both the immediate safety of the residents and their long-term rehabilitation needs.