Firhad Hakim assures night-long pumping to clear waterlogging

Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim has assured the public that the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) will work tirelessly through the night to clear the waterlogged streets. Speaking to the media, the Mayor stated that the city's pumping stations will be running continuously to drain the water, and he is determined to ensure that normalcy is restored as soon as possible. His remarks come in the wake of an unprecedented deluge that has brought the city to a standstill.

The Mayor acknowledged the massive challenge the city is facing, particularly the issue of "backflow" in many areas. He explained that the water being pumped out from one area was circulating and accumulating elsewhere, complicating the drainage efforts. Despite this, he insisted that the KMC's workers and officials are committed to overcoming these obstacles through persistent efforts.

Firhad Hakim highlighted the severity of the rainfall, particularly in Southern Kolkata. He revealed that areas like Garia and Jodhpur Park have recorded over 320 mm of rain, describing it as "anabrishthi" (unprecedented downpour) rather than regular "brishti" (rain). This unprecedented volume of water has overwhelmed the city's drainage systems, including the Tolly Nullah, where pumping work is currently ongoing.

The Mayor also assured that the KMC is keeping a close watch on the lock gates, which are crucial for controlling the flow of water. He expressed hope that with continuous efforts, the city would soon be free of waterlogging. His statement reflects the seriousness of the situation and the city administration's commitment to providing relief to its citizens.

To ensure the effectiveness of the operation, the Mayor said that KMC officials and workers will be stationed at all pumping stations throughout the night. They will be reporting to him regularly, providing updates on the progress of the drainage work. This hands-on approach is meant to ensure accountability and a swift response to any new challenges that may arise.

Finally, the Mayor offered a glimmer of hope to the city's residents. He stated that if the rain holds off tonight, he is optimistic that the city's waterlogging issues will be resolved by tomorrow. This conditional promise has given residents a reason to hope for a return to normalcy after a day of immense hardship and disruption.