Kolkata Housing Complex Seeks University Expertise Amid Protests Over Water Contamination
Authorities at the Shukhobrishti housing complex in New Town, Kolkata, have reached out to experts at Jadavpur University seeking a comprehensive solution to an ongoing water quality crisis. This announcement came on Thursday, following overnight demonstrations by residents of E Block who demanded safe, potable water for the second time in just ten days.
Resident Protests and Immediate Actions
Frustrated residents staged a protest on Wednesday night, calling police to the scene and compelling facility management to address their urgent concerns. "How can we live in our homes without safe water?" questioned Neha Gupta, a resident. She explained that a potential contamination source was identified outside building E 398, with excavation work beginning on Thursday. This remediation is expected to take at least seven days.
In the interim, the facility management has agreed to provide laborers to carry water from tankers to upper floors, offering temporary relief to affected households. Residents also met with officials from the New Town Kolkata Development Authority (NKDA) and the complex's management team on Thursday to escalate their grievances.
Persistent Contamination Despite Cleaning Efforts
The crisis deepened when, on Wednesday, complex authorities announced the detection of coliform bacteria in water samples. This revelation came barely a day after residents had been assured of a safe water supply. A spokesperson for Bengal Shapoorji Housing Development Pvt Ltd (BSHDPL) stated, "We conducted a seven-stage cleaning of underground reservoirs and the 144 overhead tanks there."
Despite these extensive cleaning measures, water tested on Wednesday showed traces of coliform in some samples. This contradicted earlier test reports shared by NKDA and the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) on Tuesday, which had indicated no contamination. Over the past month, more than 300 residents in the complex have reportedly fallen ill due to suspected water contamination.
Seeking Long-Term Solutions and Government Intervention
In response to the escalating situation, BSHDPL has requested NKDA to evaluate the possibility of transferring the water and drainage system to government agencies. The spokesperson emphasized, "We are consulting JU experts for a holistic solution to the water problem." This move aims to address systemic issues and prevent future contamination episodes.
The involvement of Jadavpur University experts signifies a shift toward scientific and sustainable water management strategies. The housing complex authorities are under mounting pressure to resolve the crisis promptly, as resident protests highlight the severe impact on daily life and health.
Key Developments:- Residents of E Block staged overnight protests, prompting police intervention.
- Coliform bacteria detected in water samples despite recent cleaning efforts.
- Over 300 residents have fallen ill in the past month due to water issues.
- Excavation work began to identify and address contamination sources.
- Complex authorities are consulting Jadavpur University for expert guidance.
The situation remains critical as Shukhobrishti residents await a permanent resolution to ensure access to safe, potable water, underscoring broader challenges in urban water management and public health infrastructure.
