Waterlogging in Kolkata
Kolkata, often described as the “City of Joy,” faces a recurring challenge during the monsoon season—waterlogging. Every year, even moderate to heavy rainfall leads to streets, residential areas, and marketplaces getting submerged, bringing the city to a standstill.
The causes of waterlogging in Kolkata are both natural and man-made. The city’s geography, being low-lying and situated along the banks of the Hooghly River, makes it prone to flooding. In addition, age-old drainage systems, clogged sewers, unplanned urban growth, and encroachments over natural canals (khals) worsen the problem. With increasing concretization and reduced green cover, rainwater finds little space to percolate into the ground, resulting in quick accumulation on the roads.
The impact of waterlogging is severe. It disrupts transportation, damages property, affects trade, and causes immense hardship for daily commuters. Waterlogging also poses serious health hazards, as stagnant water becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes and spreads waterborne diseases like dengue, malaria, and diarrhea.
Authorities like the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) and the Irrigation & Waterways Department have taken steps such as modernizing pumping stations, desilting canals, and introducing high-capacity drainage pumps. However, these measures often fall short in the face of intense rainfall. Long-term solutions require scientific urban planning, restoration of natural water bodies, stricter regulation on construction, and community participation in maintaining drainage cleanliness.
Waterlogging in Kolkata is more than just a seasonal inconvenience—it is a serious urban challenge that calls for sustainable planning and coordinated action. With thoughtful strategies, improved infrastructure, and citizen awareness, the city can overcome this recurring problem and ensure smoother living conditions for its people.
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