representative image Agra: More than 150 houses have developed cracks in Moti Katra and Syed Gali areas of Agra, forcing more than 500 residents to leave their homes. The damage reportedly caused by the ongoing Metro Rail tunnel to the underground track has raised safety concerns and demands for immediate repairs.
Despite the assurance, skeptical locals have demanded immediate compensation and accountability from the Metro authorities.
Divisional Commissioner Ritu Maheshwari inspected the affected areas of the second phase of the Metro Rail project on Thursday afternoon. He directed officials to ensure quality repairs and ordered a fresh survey involving municipal corporation and metro officials along with videography and photography to reassess the damage.
“Repairs should be carried out only after ensuring the satisfaction of property owners,” Maheshwari said. He also directed the Metro Project Director to remedy the damaged sewerage and water systems, whitewash the repaired buildings and obtain post-repair survey report from IIT Roorkee for quality verification. “Buildings should be handed over only after the consent and satisfaction of the owner,” he said.
Tunneling work begins in Agra in October 2023 as part of a 2 km underground railway project connecting Agra College Mankameshwar Temple StationWith digging to a depth of 100-150 feet.
Residents claimed that the cracks began forming in July and grew worse over time. Iron jacks have been installed to stabilize 146 houses, but locals fear that their houses could collapse at any time.
Priyanka Aggarwal, a resident of Moti Katra, said, “Our house is on the verge of collapse. Even doors cannot be closed due to extensive damage.” “We were asked to evacuate for a few days, but where can we go now? The entire house could collapse any time.”
Sonam Aggarwal, another local, said, “The negligence of the Metro Rail Project officials has ruined our lives. My husband runs a clothing business. We live in fear of our house collapsing at night. The floor is sinking and The ceiling and walls have collapsed.” Everyone broke down. We have become homeless. Metro’s negligence has brought this disaster on us, what should we do?”
“Due to cracks in the walls, the upper portion of the temple has tilted to one side and is now resting on the balcony,” said Hariom Sharma, a devotee of the 200-year-old Kaila Devi Chamunda temple in Post Office Lane. The house in front. The temple was renovated only three years ago.”
Sudhir Verma, who has vacated his house, said, “I have been living here with my family for 30 years and I have never faced such problems.” “Ever since the digging of the tunnel started, cracks have appeared in the houses. This is the negligence of the metro authorities. We will take the contract company to court. The sewage system and water supply infrastructure has also been affected. We need new houses available. Should be done.”
Agra Metro Rail project director Arvind Rai said, “Earlier, a survey was conducted. Damage was found in 50 houses. Of these, 35 were repaired and those who had moved out came back. 15 other houses were repaired. “Some houses already have cracks in the area.”
