Newly built building in Howrah’s Belur tilts, residents evacuate in panic

Panic spread across Belur, Howrah, early this morning after a newly constructed five-storey building at 16/35 Rajen Seth Lane developed large cracks and dangerously tilted, prompting an emergency evacuation. Completed just six months ago, the building’s structure began to show signs of damage two days ago, but overnight, the cracks widened, leaving the entire structure leaning to one side. Fearing for their lives, residents rushed out of the building at around 7 AM, clutching essentials like beds, pillows, and personal items, uncertain of their next steps.

Rajesh Gupta, who moved into the building a few months back, expressed his shock: “The entire building is slanting. It’s terrifying, and I have no choice but to leave today.” Another resident, Shilpa Roy, was in tears as she hastily packed her belongings. “I spent years saving up for this flat, and now it feels like everything is lost. The builders aren’t answering our calls, and we’re left stranded,” she said. Many of the residents shared her frustration, noting that repeated attempts to reach the construction company had gone unanswered, compounding their fear and uncertainty.

Local authorities acted swiftly, with police officers from Belur and engineers from Bali Municipality rushing to the site after receiving reports. The area around the building has been cordoned off due to the imminent threat of collapse. Engineers are conducting a thorough assessment to determine the structural damage and whether the building can be salvaged. They fear the foundation might have shifted, which has caused the visible tilt.

Residents of neighboring homes have been advised to stay cautious as further collapse could endanger surrounding areas. As the situation unfolds, many of the displaced families remain on the streets, unsure of their future. With no communication from the builders, residents are demanding answers and compensation.