Kolkata, Sep 25 (NationPress) - Following a devastating cloudburst that hit the city, normalcy is gradually returning to Kolkata as rainwater recedes in most areas. However, concerns linger regarding potential flooding as forecasts indicate more heavy rain in the coming days.

On Tuesday, the city experienced a month's worth of rain within just five hours, coinciding with a high tide in the Hooghly River, leading to extensive waterlogging throughout Kolkata.

By Thursday morning, significant areas had cleared, with only a few low-lying regions remaining affected.

In light of the improved weather conditions, Durga Puja organizers—who faced setbacks due to the cloudburst and subsequent downpours that damaged various Puja pandals—utilized the day to repair their setups and prepare for public viewing.

Starting Thursday, visitors are expected to flock to Puja pandals across the city, as lakhs converge to participate in the festive atmosphere that will envelop Kolkata for the next week.

With the skies clearing on Thursday, both civic authorities and the Kolkata Police took advantage to make essential preparations for the upcoming days. However, forecasts indicate a low-pressure area forming over the Bay of Bengal, which could bring additional rain to the city on Friday and Saturday.

To mitigate potential risks, civic leaders are acting swiftly to ensure the city remains safe from waterlogging and electrocution incidents. Tragically, eight individuals lost their lives due to electrocution from exposed wires in the flooded areas on Tuesday.

A meeting held at Lalbazar (the Kolkata Police headquarters) concluded with strict orders to eliminate any exposed wires throughout the city, with police station heads tasked with enforcing this directive.

The police will also monitor potentially hazardous lamp posts and take timely measures to ensure public safety.

Ongoing discussions are in place with the Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation (CESC), the power provider for Kolkata and nearby regions, to address these safety concerns.

As additional rain is anticipated in the days leading up to Sunday—the official start of the Puja festivities—the police remain vigilant to prevent further disasters. All officers have been instructed to carry raincoats and umbrellas during their duties throughout the Puja.

With public access to most mandaps commencing on Thursday, the police are prepared to manage the influx of visitors.

In an effort to facilitate smooth traffic flow during the festivities, special barricades have been erected along one side of roads, allowing pedestrians and visitors easier access to the mandaps.

Recognizing the influx of tourists, the police have been directed to prioritize their safety.

To enhance safety for women, numerous police pickets will be staffed by female officers, with dedicated teams patrolling the city. The police will monitor from over 60 watchtowers, and hundreds of CCTVs are being installed specifically for the Puja.

Meanwhile, civic authorities have devised a proactive strategy to address any potential waterlogging issues.

Officials from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) sewage department have assured that any heavy rain during the festival will be managed effectively through pre-planning.

Efforts include the rapid cleaning of major drains and canals to ensure efficient rainwater drainage into the Hooghly River.

Mobile pumps will be deployed in areas prone to flooding, and a 24-hour technical team alongside a control room will be established for emergencies.

Civic authorities will maintain coordination with power companies and the police to ensure seamless management throughout the festival.

Sadly, approximately 10 individuals were electrocuted in West Bengal, including 8 in Kolkata. Train and metro services faced disruptions, while traffic was severely affected due to widespread waterlogging.