West Bengal

IIE DIGITAL DESK  : A month has passed since the devastating landslide at Belgachia's garbage dump in Howrah, yet the situation for residents remains dire. The March 20, 2025, incident led to the collapse of several homes, leaving many families displaced and without basic amenities. Despite assurances from state authorities, including Urban Development Minister Firhad Hakim, that rehabilitation efforts would commence promptly, there has been little progress.

The Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) is reportedly awaiting soil test results from Jadavpur University to determine the safety of the area for reconstruction. Consequently, affected families continue to live in temporary shelters, with many choosing to remain near their damaged homes due to concerns over their belongings.

The landslide disrupted essential services, including water supply and electricity, and rendered several homes uninhabitable. Approximately 350 residents from 18 severely damaged houses were relocated to a local school for temporary shelter. However, many residents have since returned to their homes, despite the risks, as the temporary shelters provided by the government were deemed unsuitable for long-term habitation.

The Belgachia slum, located near the Belgachia dumping ground, has long suffered from inadequate waste management and infrastructure. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has previously criticized the Howrah Municipal Corporation for its failure to address the waste crisis, directing officials to submit reports on the situation.

Residents continue to face challenges, including exposure to unsanitary conditions and a lack of livelihood opportunities. Many individuals who previously relied on sorting recyclables from the landfill for income are now struggling to make ends meet.

As the community awaits tangible action, the urgency for effective waste management and rehabilitation in Belgachia has never been more critical.