STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: A portion of a road collapsed late Thursday night in Guwahati’s Hengerabari area, reportedly due to a sudden gush of water from an underground pipeline installed under the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) project. The incident occurred in the Lichubagan locality and has once again raised serious concerns about the quality of ongoing infrastructure work in the city.
According to local residents, the forceful water flow severely damaged the roadside slope, dragging along soil, debris, and an electric pole. A protective guard wall also gave way under the pressure and is now dangerously leaning against a nearby residential building, posing a threat to its occupants.
This is the second such incident in the same area within a span of two months, leaving residents increasingly alarmed. They fear that repeated structural failures could soon lead to catastrophic consequences if left unaddressed.
“We are living in constant fear. Every time there’s heavy rainfall or a pipeline leak, we wonder what will collapse next,” said one resident, pointing to the leaning wall inches away from his house.
Residents have demanded immediate action from the concerned authorities, including the Guwahati Municipal Corporation and officials overseeing the JICA project. They are calling for a thorough inspection of the area and permanent repair work to ensure safety and prevent future damage.
As of now, officials have yet to release an official statement. Emergency crews have been deployed to the site to assess the situation and secure the area. Power supply in the vicinity was temporarily disrupted due to the uprooted pole but is expected to be restored soon.
The repeated collapses have sparked questions about the safety standards being followed in infrastructure projects and the need for greater accountability in public works execution.
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