Kolkata|24th October 25:
In response to the severe waterlogging that affected central and south Kolkata following the deluge on September 23, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has approved a significant project to overhaul a century-old brick sewer line beneath Jawaharlal Nehru Road. This initiative aims to alleviate flooding in key areas such as Esplanade, Park Street, Camac Street, Theatre Road, and parts of AJC Bose Road.
The project involves desilting and reinforcing the aging sewer line to prevent collapse and enhance its capacity to handle stormwater. The work is scheduled to commence by the end of this year and is expected to take two years to complete. The first phase will begin at the intersection of JL Nehru Road and Bentinck Street, extending to Park Street, while the second phase will cover the stretch between Park Street and AJC Bose Road.
A budget of ₹57 crore has been allocated for the desilting effort. KMC officials anticipate that this upgrade will not only alleviate flooding in the affected areas but also improve conditions in the Maidan region. However, they note that the success of the project will also depend on effective management of lock gates along the Hooghly River, especially during monsoon high tides.
This initiative is part of KMC’s broader efforts to address the city’s aging drainage infrastructure and mitigate the impact of urban flooding.
