An overhead reservoir with a capacity to store 700 cubic meters of water came crashing down in Bankura’s Sarenga on Wednesday afternoon, raising questions over the structure that had been completed at a cost of Rs 165 core just three years ago.
Sources said no injury was reported but the collapse of the reservoir would result in severe water scarcity at 20 villages in Sarenga which is known as one of the most arid and dry zones in Bengal.
“The project had been taken up in 2012 and was completed in 2016 by the state public health engineering department under the special Backward Region Grant Fund of the Centre. A sum of Rs 165 core was spent on the project,” said a senior district official.
Babulal Murmu, a local resident, said he had been working in the farmland near the reservoir around 3 pm when he saw concrete pieces coming off the tank.
“Soon after, the structure started shaking. I ran away fearing a mishap. Around 3.30pm, the structure collapsed completely. There was an office of the PHE on the premises. But it was empty then,” said Murmu.
Sources in the state administration said there could be a fault in the design of the reservoir or the quality of the construction materials was compromised.
Saumen Mahapatra, the PHE minister, said the state government was trying for an alternative arrangement to supply water to the affected villages and only an inquiry could reveal the actual reason behind the incident.