Baguiati residents demand action after 5 months of waterlogged streets

The residents of Sarada Pally in Baguiati, near VIP Road in Kolkata, have been grappling with severe waterlogging for the past four to five months, forcing them to live in knee-deep water even after small amounts of rain. The stagnant water has led to the accumulation of moss on roads, making it extremely dangerous for pedestrians, with frequent accidents reported.

On Sunday, the frustration of the local people reached a tipping point, leading to a roadblock protest demanding immediate action from the authorities. The protest took a tragic turn when Vandana Poddar, a resident, slipped on the waterlogged road and broke her hand. In an attempt to seek help, Poddar was taken to the house of the local councilor, but to the dismay of the protestors, the councilor claimed he could not do anything about the situation.

This statement further fueled the anger of the residents, who have been dealing with the unlivable conditions for months. “It’s been almost five months of living in water. The roads are covered with moss, and accidents happen daily,” one protestor lamented. They also mentioned that access to vital services, including health centers, has been severely disrupted, with patients unable to reach the facilities due to the waterlogged streets.

Despite being close to a major road like VIP Road, Sarada Pally faces neglect from the administration. The stagnant water poses health risks and has disrupted everyday life for residents. Children, elderly citizens, and those needing medical attention suffer the most due to the lack of proper drainage and maintenance.

“The local councilor says he can’t help, but we have nowhere else to turn,” said another protestor. The people are now continuing their protests, demanding immediate intervention to fix the drainage system and restore safe passage on the roads.