Raijor Dal filed a lawsuit against the Assam Urban Water Supply & Sewerage Board after a significant water pipeline ruptured in Guwahati’s Kharguli, stating that the pipes were constructed from inferior materials. According to officials, the complaint was lodged at the city’s Latasil police station on Friday. According to a party representative, “unskilled technicians” utilised subpar materials to construct the pipes, which caused to the line to burst and the subsequent large water gush.
The Akhil Gogoi-led party asserted that corruption in the water supply projects also contributed to the catastrophe.
It further demanded that the state government pay the impacted citizens fair compensation.
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 around 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 immediately 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. They have claimed reimbursement from the GMDA for the harm done to their property.
Revenue & Disaster Management Minister of Assam, Jogen Mohan offered a Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia payment to the family of the woman who perished in the water pipe rupture tragedy.
Speaking about the tragedy, the minister said that all costs for the stranded persons who are now staying in relief camps will be covered by the Disaster Management Department.
Jogen Mohan said, “The Disaster Management Department of Assam will provide all essential help to the affected people. We have decided to provide Rs 2 lakh to the kin of the deceased and Rs 10,000 each to the injured persons. Rs 5,000 each will be provided to the affected people for clothes and utensils. Further, we will also provide free food and lodging to the 22 families who are seeking shelter at the relief camp.”