Landslips put homes under threat of collapsing in Barrackpore

Continuous landslips have put 25 houses on Papourie Road at Upper Barrackpore at risk, as they are likely to collapse. The situation is so serious that the Penal-Debe Regional Corporation (PDRC) has started planting vetiver grass to aid soil stability.

Moreover, the Ministry of Works is working on several reclamation projects. Among those, the most affected is retired school principal Fenola Bachan. At age 70, Bachan fears that her entire house will soon collapse. But despite the danger, she prefers to stay at home.

“I know it’s a risk, but this is the home I spent my entire life building. I feel a sense of accomplishment and achievement because of this house”, she added.

The walls inside Bachan’s living room have cracked five inches wide. The kitchen door hangs loose, and the pictures on the wall have been destroyed. Moreover, the tiles are broken, and the entire foundation has crumbled.

Noting this terrifying incident, the road in front of the house has sunk more than 25 feet in Barrackpore.

She further stated that the ministry had started the restoration work in 2022, but it was stopped six months ago. Further, the contractor was supposed to put piles 30 feet down, but he had complained that the soil was still filled with water.

Eventually, another contractor was called to put piles using casing; however, the engineer later stopped the project there as well. Bachan added that she had contacted an attorney who suggested she take legal action.

In due course of time, Gowtam Maharaj, the chairman of the PDRC, said that the landslip started a few years ago. He further questioned the accuracy and perfection of the engineering practices that were used.

Maharaj commented, “It appears that the piling has not been done properly. The shoring is unstable, water is gathering here, and the steel is now rusting. ”

He suggested studying the geotechnical concept and proper hydrological analysis should be done to find the solutions for the prone slippage in the soil.

Additionally, the contractor, Sinanan, stated that the restoration work would be restarted by mid-February, and it is expected to be completed in two months.