Kolkata Drowns in Deluge: Heavy Rains Cripple City Days Before Durga Puja

Kolkata, the vibrant capital of West Bengal, found itself submerged under an unexpected deluge as heavy overnight rains lashed the city, triggering widespread waterlogging and bringing life to a grinding halt. The timing could not have been more critical, with the much-anticipated Durga Puja festival, a cornerstone of Bengali culture and an economic booster, just days away.

Residents woke up to a city transformed into a maze of submerged streets and overflowing drains.

Key thoroughfares, usually bustling with pre-Puja fervor, became impassable rivers, forcing commuters to wade through knee-deep water or abandon their journeys altogether. Public transport, including buses and taxis, struggled to navigate the inundated roads, leading to significant delays and stranding thousands.

The incessant downpour, which began late Tuesday night and continued into Wednesday morning, overwhelmed Kolkata's drainage system, a persistent vulnerability during the monsoon season.

Areas like Behala, Ballygunge, Thanthania, and parts of Central Kolkata were particularly hit, showcasing scenes of cars partially submerged and pedestrians struggling to find dry ground.

Beyond the immediate disruption to daily routines, concerns are mounting over the potential impact on Durga Puja preparations.

Pandal construction, decoration, and idol transportation, already in full swing, face severe setbacks. Shopkeepers, who eagerly await the festive rush, are grappling with the reduced footfall and potential damage to their merchandise.

Local authorities have deployed pumping stations to clear the accumulated water, but the sheer volume of rainfall has made the task challenging.

Weather forecasts indicate a possibility of further isolated showers, keeping residents on edge. As Kolkata battles the monsoon's wrath, the resilience of its people is once again being tested, hoping for clear skies to salvage the spirit of Durga Puja.