Kolkata, Sep 24 (NationPress) Learning from the recent deluge on Tuesday, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has proactively initiated measures to tackle potential waterlogging issues if heavy rains hit the city again during Durga Puja. With the Met Department predicting light to moderate rainfall until Saturday (September 27) and possible thunderstorms over the weekend, KMC officials have devised a plan to ensure the city is prepared as millions gather at Durga Puja mandaps starting Thursday.

KMC's Sewage Department officials have assured that they will handle any heavy rainfall during the festival through thorough prior planning. In a detailed briefing to Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim, Mayor Member in Council (Sewage), Tarak Singh, outlined the preparations underway.

Cleaning of major drains and canals is underway to facilitate the efficient drainage of rainwater into the Hooghly River. Mobile pumps will be installed in areas prone to flooding, and a round-the-clock technical team alongside a control room will be established for emergency responses.

Coordination with power companies and police will be enhanced for effective management of the entire operation. Surveillance will be focused around puja mandaps to tackle waterlogging swiftly.

Tarak Singh emphasized that KMC has a year-round system ready for emergencies, stating, "In any disaster, we act swiftly to restore normalcy. Yet, heavy rainfall can overwhelm our efforts. This time, our priority is to ensure the public's convenience during the festivities."

As a preliminary step, the ongoing cleaning of major drains and canals aims to prevent water stagnation from garbage accumulation. KMC officials believe this proactive cleaning will significantly mitigate waterlogging risks.

In areas historically affected by flooding, mobile pumps are already being deployed. Singh shared, "These pumps will help drain water quickly if flooding occurs due to prolonged rain. A dedicated technical team will work around the clock for immediate responses to any arising issues."

A dedicated control room and helpline will operate to prevent electrocution-related fatalities, while safety measures will be reinforced in areas vulnerable to waterlogging and power line hazards.

Durga Puja organizers have been instructed to elevate electrical wires to avert such incidents and to organize drainage around puja mandaps, with KMC offering support when necessary.

Singh added that there will be surveillance teams in each borough of KMC, responsible for ongoing monitoring and reporting. Additional personnel and equipment are on standby for swift action from the control room.

A staggering month’s worth of rain fell in just five hours on Tuesday, coinciding with a high tide in the Hooghly, resulting in extensive waterlogging throughout the city. Tragically, around ten people succumbed to electrocution in West Bengal, including eight in Kolkata. Train and metro services faced disruptions, and traffic in Kolkata came to a standstill as nearly every road was submerged.

While conditions improved by Wednesday morning, full clearance of waterlogged areas will require time.

The Met Office recorded 252mm of rain within five hours, with 185mm falling between 2:30 am and 5:30 am. According to KMC's data, Garia received the highest rainfall at 332mm, followed by Jodhpur Park at 285mm, Ballygunge at 264mm, Ultadanga at 207mm, and Maniktala at 169mm.