Will the problem of water accumulation in Kolkata ever decrease?

By a Staff Reporter: Maheshtala is the municipality next to Kolkata Corporation. From Behala and South West Kolkata, the rainwater drains to the Ganga via the Manikhali pumping station via Maheshtala. If there is a mess in this drainage line, how will the problem of water accumulation ever be reduced? This question is on the minds of most of the agitated residents of these areas. So Kolkata municipality came forward to solve this problem. Today was the auspicious start of the Desilting Programme by KMC.

The water of the drainage canals of Ward No. 133, 134, 135, 136, 138, 139 and 140 of Borough 15 of Kolkata Municipality drains to Monikhal via Pudirhati and Santoshpur Drainage Pumping Station. It flows into Monikhal through the Monikhali Pumping Station and then into the Hooghly river. But due to the over accumulation of silt in the underground drains of Maheshtala, the entire area gets submerged during the monsoons. Therefore, the Kolkata Municipality has started the desilting work of drains which estimates around 18 crore rupees. It will take about eight months to complete this whole work. Today, Hon'ble Mayor Mr. Firhad Hakim marked the auspicious inauguration of these works near Karbala Auto Stand at Santoshpur in Maheshtla. Maheshtala Municipality Chairman Shri Dulal Das, Mayor-in-council Shri Tarak Singh and various ward councillors were present at the occasion.

If this work is completed, the residents of Paharpur Road, Santoshpur Road, Garden Reach area will also get rid of waterlogging problem. The desilting work will be going on from Nature Park to Monikhal, from Mother Dairy to New Santoshpur road, from Nutu Bihari Girls high school to New Santoshpur road via Pudir Hati Pumping Station and several others. Residents of these areas are hoping for a better situation in the upcoming Monsoon season as the rains are almost here.