KOLKATA: At four sprawling high-rises in New Town where even a week after the heavy downpour the water had still not completely receded on Sunday, over 15,000 residents have become tense and anxious after predictions of more rain till Wednesday.
Fresh waterlogging, the residents fear, may undo all their efforts to drain the stagnant water.
Areas near Bagjola canal have been the worst affected, with the water flooding the localities. Apart from Shukhobristi, complexes like Elita Garden Vista, DLF Heights New Town and Balaka Abason have been hit by waterlogging.
NKDA officials said they were taking all possible preventive measures to tackle the likely recurring waterlogging situation in New Town this week. “Over 100 pumps have been used and all pumping stations have been kept ready for optimal functioning. A sandbag wall has been set up along Bagjola canal to prevent overflowing if heavy rain occurs. All drainage lines are being cleaned up and a control room has been set up for round-the-clock monitoring,” an NKDA official said.
The worst affected among the gated communities has been Shukhobristi. “It has been a tough time for residents. Lifts have remained shut and even dialysis patients had to use the staircases. With the forecast of heavy rain, we are tense,” said Mainak Kanrar, a resident.
“We were stuck at home, our vehicles were submerged and a few of them were damaged. There was a foul smell on the lower floors due to the stagnant water and residents have been in constant fear of contamination and diseases,” said Souvik Bhattacharya, a resident of Elita Garden Vista.
“The entire complex was waterlogged,” said Sameer Sharma, a resident of DLF Heights New Town.
Several cooperative housings were also badly affected by waterlogging, power cuts and reservoirs being submerged. “The encroachments along the canal are major problems. We will meet with Rajarhat New Town MLA Tapas Chatterjee on Monday to discuss plans,” said Samaresh Das, chairperson of New Town Forum and News.
