Kolkata's Gariahat Road Plagued by Repeated Cave-Ins from Aging Water Pipeline
Engineers at the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) are grappling with a persistent crisis as repeated cracks in a 50-year-old water pipeline have led to frequent leaks, causing the surface of Gariahat Road to cave in at multiple points. This ongoing issue has not only triggered severe traffic snarls but also resulted in occasional accidents, disrupting daily life in the bustling south Kolkata area.
Three-Year Struggle with Pipeline Failures
The problem first came to light three years ago when a major portion of Gariahat Road near ITI collapsed following a significant leak in the underground pipeline. Despite prompt repairs by KMC engineers, the road at the same spot has been affected at least six times over the past three years. In recent months alone, a 34-inch pipeline has been breached on at least three occasions, exacerbating the situation.
An official from the KMC roads department highlighted the severity of the damage, stating, "The road is badly damaged and needs immediate intervention. But unless the underground water pipe is permanently repaired, road restoration cannot be taken up." This underscores the interconnected nature of the infrastructure problems, where road repairs are contingent on fixing the underlying pipeline issues.
Critical Supply Line for South Kolkata
Officials from the civic body's water supply department have acknowledged the gravity of the situation, noting that the pipeline is a crucial supply line for several south Kolkata neighbourhoods, including Ballygunge and Gariahat. A KMC official explained, "We are equally troubled by the repeated failures of this pipeline. It requires constant monitoring due to its importance in providing potable water to these areas."
According to KMC sources, the concrete pipe was laid in the mid-1970s by the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) to supply drinking water to multiple zones in south Kolkata. Over the decades, the pipe has not only aged but become increasingly vulnerable. A KMC water supply department official emphasized, "The pipe not only grew old but has become vulnerable. We need to conduct a thorough check of the condition of the pipeline."
Traffic Chaos and Road Deterioration
The major thoroughfare near Ballygunge Phari has been particularly hard-hit, with the road badly damaged and traffic frequently brought to a standstill during peak hours. Water seepage from the breached underground pipeline has led to the formation of multiple potholes, further weakening the road surface and creating hazardous conditions for commuters.
A KMC roads department official reiterated the need for coordinated action, saying, "We have sent an SOS to the water supply department, urging an urgent repair of the underground line so that road restoration can begin at the earliest." This highlights the urgency of addressing the pipeline failures to prevent further deterioration of the road infrastructure.
Planned Repairs and Coordination Efforts
In response to the crisis, KMC officials have announced that repair work is set to begin by Saturday, following consultations with traffic police. On Friday, a KMC water supply department official confirmed that discussions were underway with police to finalize a detailed repair plan. The official added, "Gariahat Road is a busy arterial stretch, and we need to coordinate closely with traffic police before proceeding."
This coordination is essential to minimize disruptions during the repair process, given the road's high traffic volume. The planned interventions aim to not only fix the immediate leaks but also assess the overall condition of the aging pipeline to prevent future incidents.
