Kolkata, Nov. 2 -- In a major infrastructure push ahead of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) elections, the civic body's Drainage department is reportedly set to begin work on an underground drainage network across Behala, Thakurpukur, Barisha and adjoining areas, promising relief from chronic waterlogging to more than 50,000 residents.
The project, estimated to cost around Rs 20 crore, will involve laying underground drainage pipelines across a stretch of nine kilometre. Work is expected to begin in the next few days, with the aim of significantly reducing waterlogging before the next monsoon.
According to KMC sources, the proposed network will cover extensive stretches of Behala, Bakra Road, Thakurpukur, Barisha and Diamond Harbour Road. While pipelines have already been laid along the main roads under the Kolkata Environment Improvement Investment Programme, the new project, with financial assistance from the state Urban Development and Municipal Affairs department, will extend the network into neighbourhood lanes and bylanes.
For years, several pockets in these areas have lacked proper drainage infrastructure. In many places, open drains were the only means of water disposal, while several residential stretches had no proper sewerage connections. Consequently, even heavy rainfall would leave large parts of the area submerged for prolonged periods, as there was no effective outlet for accumulated water. A KMC official said the project would address both waterlogging and the absence of a proper sewerage network.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.