Kolkata, Nov. 11 -- Water woes continued across Kolkata on Wednesday as a leak in the British-era pipeline beneath Tala railway bridge disrupted supply in north, central and parts of south Kolkata.
The state government and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) have arranged alternative supply, but normalcy is unlikely before Friday, civic sources said. On Wednesday, the KMC temporarily suspended supply in Belgachia, Tara Shankar Sarani and adjoining areas during repairs, saying supply would resume six to seven hours after the work was completed. Urban development minister Agnimitra Paul urged residents facing shortages to report problems through a dedicated helpline.
The KMC is connecting a 1,200-mm pipeline, around 500 metres from the leakage site near the Tala bridge-Manmatha Ganguli Street junction, to the main 1,800-mm line through an alternative route. The site remains waterlogged, making it difficult to pinpoint the damage. Once connected, the damaged line can be drained so engineers can locate the breach and begin repairs.
Sonagachi Lane, Durgacharan Mitra Street, Imam Bux Lane, Natherbagan and Sheikhpara have reported shortages. Tala, Shobhabazar, Kumartuli, Bagbazar, Maniktala, Bagmari, Entally, Girish Park, Ahiritola and Sealdah have also been affected. Parts of south Kolkata, including AJC Bose Road, Ballygunge and Kasba, reported disruption.
A KMC update on Tuesday said 254 tankers had delivered water across four boroughs: 119 for domestic needs, 109 for bustee areas and 26 for hospitals. The civic body received 205 helpline calls, of which 97 grievances had been resolved. However, residents claimed tankers had not reached some pockets despite repeated calls.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.