In a significant move to tackle chronic waterlogging, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has directed contractors to fast-track the construction of a crucial drainage pumping station at Hrishikesh Park. The aim is to complete the project within the next three to four months, offering much-needed relief to residents in several low-lying neighbourhoods of north-central Kolkata before the onset of the monsoon season.
Advanced Technology to Power the New Station
A senior official from the KMC's sewerage and drainage department confirmed that the contractor has been instructed to wrap up construction swiftly. The new station will be equipped with at least eight heavy-duty pumps, incorporating advanced technology designed to flush out storm water efficiently from large swathes of north and central Kolkata.
The official expressed hope that the station would be operational before the monsoon hits the city. Once functional, it is expected to significantly reduce inundation in areas historically prone to severe waterlogging.
Addressing a Faulty Design with a Robust Network
The decision to build a new station stems from the failure of the existing infrastructure. According to KMC authorities, the current drainage pumping station has been ineffective due to a faulty design. The new facility at Hrishikesh Park will not only feature more powerful pumps but will also be supported by a much larger and improved pipeline network.
This enhanced network is specifically engineered to carry storm water in larger volumes, which will be instrumental in drying up waterlogged pockets at a much faster rate than before.
Areas Set to Benefit from the Project
The project has been meticulously planned to cover key waterlogging hotspots. As per the design, after the storm water is pumped out, the drainage pipeline will collect water from major affected areas including:
- Amherst Street
- Sukea Street
- Muktarambabu Street
- Thanthania
- Parts of Chittaranjan Avenue
- Bidhan Sarani
- Vivekananda Road
- APC Roy Road
The storm water will ultimately be discharged into the Beliaghata outfall canal, completing the drainage cycle. This focused approach targets some of the most traditionally vulnerable pockets in the city, promising a direct improvement in the quality of life for thousands of residents during the rainy season.
The expedited timeline underscores the civic body's urgency in addressing a perennial civic issue. If completed as scheduled, the Hrishikesh Park drainage pumping station could mark a turning point in Kolkata's battle against monsoon waterlogging.
