Belghachia garbage crisis sparks landslides, water shortage & mass displacement in Howrah

Belghachia in Howrah is facing a severe crisis as uncollected garbage piles have triggered landslides, road subsidence, and widespread water shortages. Methane gas accumulation in the waste has led to sporadic fires, while a recent landslide damaged the main drinking water pipeline, cutting off supply to large parts of North and Central Howrah. Several houses have developed cracks, forcing hundreds of residents to evacuate. Municipal authorities have set up relief camps for the displaced, and a local club has started a community kitchen to provide food.

The Howrah Municipal Corporation (HMC) initially attempted to restore water supply by repairing the damaged pipeline, but repeated bursts forced them to begin replacing old, corroded pipes. Officials stated that due to prolonged neglect, the infrastructure had deteriorated beyond quick repairs. The pipeline replacement work is ongoing, but intermittent rain and increasing ground cracks have slowed progress. Residents in affected areas, including Shivpur and Central Howrah, continue to face severe drinking water shortages.

To address the crisis, HMC has started laying a new parallel pipeline from Belghachia Bagar to North Howrah under the MDA water project. This pipeline is being connected to the Padmapukur water project, with officials stating that once completed, supply will resume in phases. However, authorities have not provided a specific timeline for full restoration. HMC administrator Sujoy Chakraborty stated, “KMDA has constructed a parallel pipeline, which is being linked to the Padmapukur water project. Once completed, drinking water will reach North Howrah within a day or two.”

Meanwhile, protests have erupted across the affected areas, with residents demanding immediate rehabilitation and restoration of essential services. The CPM led a protest march from Salkia to Golabari police station, while locals staged demonstrations in Belghachia, highlighting the worsening conditions. District Minister Arup Roy described the situation as a “natural disaster,” while BJP district president Gaurang Bhattacharya assured that medical camps would be set up to assist those affected.

Despite ongoing relief efforts, large parts of Howrah remain without water, and residents continue to rely on temporary arrangements. The municipality has deployed water tankers, but shortages persist. Authorities are monitoring the structural safety of affected buildings and roads, as more cracks and land subsidence are being reported. Officials have stated that once the water supply issue is resolved, further measures will be taken to address infrastructure damage in the area.