Guwahati: The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) organised a protest by burning the effigy of state cabinet member Ashok Singhal following the Kharguli incident, in which a water supply pipeline ruptured, killing one person while damaging nearby buildings and washing away multiple vehicles.
The protest was held in front of Swahid Nyas in Uzanbazar area of Guwahati where protesters could be seen setting Housing & Urban Affairs and Irrigation Minister, Ashok Singhal on fire and yelling anti-government chants.
“The incident yesterday was tragic and Assam government is entirely responsible for it. A woman died and many were injured apart from massive damages that were caused by the pipeline burst in Kharguli yesterday. We demand that ex-gratia be given to the deceased woman’s family and to bear all medical expenses of the injured persons,” one of the protestors said.
“JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) carried out testing without prior notice to the residents nearby. They should introspect on the incident and ensure that such an incident should never happen again,” he added.
The AASU member further noted that although minor, such pipeline bursts happen in various locations throughout the city yet go undetected.
A Gammon JICA water supply main line pipe burst on Thursday at around 3 pm in the Kharguli area of Guwahati, resulting in a tremendous water flow that swept away multiple vehicles and damaged at least 40 homes.
According to reports, the incident affected approximately 600 people, and about 30 people were injured.
One woman, Sumitra Rabha, was killed in the incident. She lived in one of the homes that the water surged and ruined. The local hospitals received the injured patients right away for treatment. The area has been closed off by the police, who are also looking into what caused the rupture.
The Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) has pledged that the restoration of the water supply will occur soon. However, those who were impacted by the tragedy have expressed their outrage and unhappiness. For the harm done to their property, they have claimed reimbursement from the GMDA.
The incident has brought up the topic of Guwahati’s subpar infrastructure once more. The city has been dealing with numerous issues as a result of the subpar roads, bridges, and other infrastructure. The government must take action to raise the calibre of the city’s infrastructure to avoid similar incidents in the future.
Cabinet minister Ashok Singhal demanded a thorough investigation into the incident earlier yesterday.
Speaking to media persons after visiting the incident spot this evening, Ashok Singhal said, “When hydro testing is done after welding process of the pipes, the pressure is kept very low. We have never heard about such an incident of water bursting out after hydro testing has been successfully done. But the incident that has happened today is very unfortunate. A detailed inquiry will be done in regard to this. There is a safety audit for all pipes laid. The entire situation will be investigated.”
He added that the Kamrup Metro Deputy Commissioner has been instructed to attend the scene of the incident and assess the situation.
“A relief camp has been set up here. The DC has also been instructed to visit the spot and take stock of the situation here. I will also visit the area after the safety audit begins. After we get the detailed report after a few days, I will be back here and speak to the residents of the area,” the minister added.