English Bazar areas waterlogged year-round due to no drains, mosquitoes and snakes threaten residents' safety

In Ward 23 of English Bazar Municipality, several areas including Narsingh Kuppa remain waterlogged throughout the year due to the absence of a drainage system. Residents report that dirty, stagnant water accumulates on roads in all seasons, increasing the presence of mosquitoes and snakes. Locals claim that the situation poses a daily risk, with no proper infrastructure to drain water from the area.

Residents allege that while other wards under English Bazar Municipality have received facilities like concrete roads and access to drinking water, their ward remains neglected. "We only get promises during elections. Once the voting ends, our issues are forgotten," said Dhurba Das, a resident. Another resident, Prabhash Roy, highlighted the growing health risks from prolonged exposure to stagnant water.

Councillor of Ward 23, Sujit Saha of the Trinamool Congress, said the ward was created in 1990 and was previously under CPM and later Congress rule. “During their time, no development happened. Since Trinamool took charge, work has begun in the area. The problem remains because there is no drainage system, so water cannot flow out. I have informed the municipal chairman, the district administration, and the state urban development minister,” he stated.

Municipal opposition leader and BJP councillor Amlan Bhaduri criticised the current board, saying that the people have lost faith in the Trinamool-led English Bazar Municipality. He claimed that even basic infrastructure issues like drainage have remained unresolved for years, despite repeated demands from the residents.