Kolkata's Pre-Puja Plight: City Grapples with Waterlogging and Power Cuts Amidst Relentless Rains

As the festive spirit of Durga Puja rapidly approaches, Kolkata finds itself in an unexpected and challenging predicament. The 'City of Joy' is currently grappling with severe waterlogging and widespread power outages, a direct consequence of relentless heavy rainfall. This deluge has significantly disrupted daily life, turning the pre-Puja excitement into a struggle for normalcy.

Reports from across the metropolitan area paint a grim picture.

Many arterial roads and low-lying areas, including prominent localities such as Behala, Patuli, Kalighat, Ultadanga, and parts of Central Kolkata, are submerged under several feet of water. Commuters face immense difficulties navigating through flooded streets, leading to extensive traffic snarls and delays.

Public transport, including buses and taxis, has been severely affected, leaving thousands stranded and extending journey times exponentially.

The heavy downpour has also triggered significant power disruptions across numerous neighborhoods. Residents are enduring prolonged electricity cuts, adding to their woes.

The lack of power impacts essential services, hinders communication, and makes daily chores incredibly challenging, especially for families with children and the elderly. The sweltering humidity combined with no electricity creates an uncomfortable and difficult living situation.

The timing of this crisis could not be worse, coming just days before the grand celebrations of Durga Puja.

This period is typically marked by frenzied last-minute shopping, pandal hopping preparations, and a general air of joyous anticipation. Instead, citizens are now focused on navigating flooded streets and dealing with the aftermath of the storm, casting a damp cloud over the festive preparations.

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has mobilized its teams, working tirelessly to pump out accumulated water from critical areas.

Drainage systems are being pushed to their limits, and personnel are on the ground attempting to restore normalcy. However, the sheer volume of rainfall has overwhelmed the city's infrastructure, making rapid recovery a daunting task. Residents are urged to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel until the situation improves.

Despite the challenges, the resilient spirit of Kolkata remains.

While the immediate future looks difficult, there is a collective hope that the city will swiftly overcome these obstacles and restore its vibrant essence in time for the much-anticipated Durga Puja celebrations.