Staff Reporter 

MAHADEVPUR, Jan 8: A major water supply infrastructure shock hit Mahadevpur after a recently  constructed JJM water tank collapsed, triggering public outrage and serious questions over safety, accountability, and quality—though PHED has attributed the incident to an earthquake and ruled out construction lapses.
When contacted, G. Maga, Junior Engineer (JE), PHED Mahadevpur, informed that the incident occurred on Monday when an earthquake of more than 5.0 magnitude, with its epicentre in Assam, was felt across the region. At the time of the tremor, the 80,000-litre capacity tank was completely full, resulting in excessive load and slide movement.
“The impact of the earthquake and the heavy load led to the collapse of only the middle portion of the tank, while all nine steel supporting pillars remain intact and stable. Therefore, this cannot be attributed to any compromise in construction quality and should be treated as a natural disaster,” the JE stated.
He further informed that the Assam-based private company which constructed the tank—designed with a 15-year durability—has already inspected the site and assured repair of the damaged tank within the next 20 days.
Addressing public concerns over possible fund misuse, the JE firmly stated that quality checks of all construction materials were conducted both before the commencement of the project and after its completion. He further clarified that several bills of the construction company are still pending, and the security deposit remains with the department, ruling out any financial irregularities.
“There should be no doubt regarding misuse of funds. As per norms, the construction company will repair the damaged tank at its own cost,” he added.
According to JE Maga , the project was sanctioned in 2022 and executed during 2023–24 at an estimated cost of ₹3 crore.
Meanwhile, the incident has triggered public concern in Mahadevpur, with residents demanding a proper and transparent investigation into the collapse, especially since it occurred within just two years of completion. The public has also urged the authorities to ensure immediate renovation and restoration of water supply, warning that prolonged disruption would severely affect daily life.
The JE has assured that all necessary steps are being taken to minimize hardship to the public and restore services at the earliest.

---

Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

<< Back to News List