Residents Blame Industrial Unit for Flooding in Palasbari
Flooding Issues in Pitbari Village
Residents report that runoff water accumulates in their neighborhoods after heavy rainfall.
PALASBARI, July 15: Inhabitants of Pitbari village, located in the Rani area under the Palasbari LAC, have raised concerns about an inadequately planned private industrial facility that is allegedly causing artificial flooding during the monsoon season. This situation has submerged homes, courtyards, and agricultural lands, severely impacting the livelihoods of numerous families.
The facility in question, Pluscom Industry LLP, is a sack-manufacturing factory built on agricultural land adjacent to the Rani Industrial Estate. Villagers assert that the factory was established without sufficient drainage provisions for rainwater runoff from the nearby Hatimara hills of the Rani Reserve Forest. Consequently, they report that runoff water collects in their residential areas following each heavy rainfall.
The families of Lalmohan Boro (60), Nilima Boro (55), Sunil Boro (55), and Mira Boro (50) are among the hardest hit, as their homes are situated next to the factory. Residents indicate that their properties remain flooded for extended periods during the monsoon. Even after the waters recede, they are left with thick mud and unpleasant sludge, creating unsanitary conditions that foster mosquito and fly infestations.
“Our lives have turned miserable since the factory opened. Every rainfall floods our home and yard. We clean the mud, but another rain brings the same problem,” lamented Lalmohan Boro and his wife, Nilima.
According to villagers, the land between the Rani Industrial Estate and Pitbari has historically been fertile agricultural territory where farmers grow paddy. They allege that part of this farmland was sold a few years back and transformed into an industrial site without proper drainage planning.
Tapan Boro, a local resident, mentioned that he had previously contacted the CRPF Commandant about the flooding issue but was directed to speak with the revenue authorities instead.
Tapan Boro further stated that the Palasbari circle officer informed him that no official drainage system linked to the factory was documented in government land records, which limits the potential for official intervention, although authorities could request the factory management to rectify the situation.
Mira Boro, another affected resident, expressed her reliance on renting out rooms for income. “On July 12, floodwaters invaded both my courtyard and the rented rooms. All my tenants left, resulting in a significant financial setback,” she shared.
With around 60 families residing in Pitbari village, there is a growing discontent towards the factory. Residents claim they have repeatedly urged the factory management to implement proper drainage systems during construction, but their requests were disregarded. They also report facing intimidation when they raise concerns about the flooding.
The villagers are questioning how an industrial facility was allowed on agricultural land, especially with the nearby Rani Industrial Estate. They are calling for an investigation into the approval process and demand the establishment of adequate drainage infrastructure to prevent future flooding and damage to homes, farmland, and public roads.
Efforts to reach the management of Pluscom Industry LLP for comment have not yet been successful. Their response will be included once received.