Siliguri, 03rd January: In a recent incident, locals are alleging the illegal construction of drains by blocking a government high-drain. The controversy involves a multi-storey building being constructed in the pipeline area of ISKCON Mandir Road in Siliguri, where a 16-foot high-drain exists. Locals claim that the construction company is obstructing the high-drain to build a smaller drainage system.
Reports suggest that a few years ago, the promoter had attempted to build a slab over the high-drain by illegally installing a hume pipe. When local residents opposed the move, the SJDA and Siliguri Municipal Corporation intervened and demolished the illegal construction.
Despite this, the drain work was reportedly resumed. On Friday, residents, along with local panchayat members and Zila Parishad members, staged a protest against the unauthorized construction of the drain. They expressed concern that reducing the size of the high-drain would cause the area to flood during the rainy season and demanded an immediate halt to the construction.
However, Sandeep Goyal, the owner of the multi-storey construction company, defended the work, stating that it was being carried out with full permission. He added that locals had repeatedly stopped the work, and if it continues to be obstructed, he will take legal action.