Atreyee river dam collapses in Balurghat after 2 years | Watch

The Atreyee River dam in Balurghat’s Ward No. 13 collapsed late Sunday night, causing panic among residents. The dam, inaugurated in 2023, was built to protect surrounding areas from river erosion and flooding but failed within two years. Along with the dam, a section of the nearby concrete stairs also caved in. Residents reported cracks and seepage before the collapse and claimed that substandard construction materials were used.

Officials stated that excessive water pressure led to the collapse. Engineers from the irrigation department and police arrived at the site for damage assessment. Municipality Chairman Ashok Mitra inspected the affected area, and the irrigation department opened the sluice gates overnight to release excess water and reduce pressure. A technical team has been assigned to investigate the cause of the failure, with a focus on construction quality, soil stability, and water flow impact.

The incident has triggered political reactions, with opposition parties questioning the project’s execution and demanding a detailed investigation into material standards and budget allocation. Local residents have expressed concerns over future flooding risks and demanded immediate reinforcement measures. The administration has assured a full technical review and necessary corrective actions to prevent further damage.