By: Bharat Daily Samachar Date: 23 Sep,2025

A City Underwater Before Festivities

The rainfall that lashed Kolkata late last night and early morning has caused severe waterlogging in key areas including Park Street, Dharmatala, Salt Lake, Behala, and parts of North Kolkata. In several neighborhoods, water rose knee-deep, forcing residents to wade through flooded lanes. Public transport services, particularly buses and taxis, were badly affected, leaving commuters stranded. Auto-rickshaws and cabs hiked fares, adding to the frustration of office-goers and daily wage workers.

Durga Puja, scheduled to begin in just a few days, usually transforms Kolkata into a glowing hub of art, lights, and celebration. However, the current waterlogging has left pandal organizers, shopkeepers, and residents worried. Many pandal sites were submerged in water, with artisans and volunteers seen desperately trying to pump it out.

Impact on Daily Life

Markets and local businesses are among the worst hit. Traders in Burrabazar and Gariahat complained of significant losses as water seeped into shops, damaging goods. Many food stalls that were gearing up for festive demand have also been forced to close temporarily. The Metro Rail services, which are considered the backbone of city commuting, operated with delays due to water accumulation around entry points in certain stations.

For school children and office workers, the situation turned chaotic. Parents were seen carrying children on their shoulders while navigating through waterlogged roads. IT hubs in Sector V, Salt Lake, also reported absenteeism as employees found it impossible to reach offices on time.

Durga Puja Preparations Hit Hard

The timing of the rainfall has added to the woes of Durga Puja committees. The city is home to thousands of pandals, some of which are globally renowned for their grand decorations and innovative themes. Organizers expressed concerns that waterlogging may damage expensive electrical installations and artwork.

“Every year we prepare with months of hard work, but one heavy rainfall can undo everything. Pumps are being used round the clock to drain water, but the fear of fresh rainfall is giving us sleepless nights,” said a member of a popular South Kolkata Puja committee.

Artisans who craft idols also faced difficulties, as their workshops in Kumartuli, the traditional potters’ hub, witnessed water accumulation. Many were seen moving half-finished idols to higher ground to prevent damage.

Authorities Swing Into Action

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) deployed teams across the city to clear clogged drains and pump out water from critical areas. Over 300 pumps were pressed into service, officials said, but the sheer volume of rainwater has slowed progress. Emergency helplines were activated to assist stranded citizens.

The city’s mayor assured that special monitoring has been put in place for pandal zones, particularly in low-lying areas. “We are coordinating with the police, fire services, and civic teams to ensure that Durga Puja celebrations go smoothly despite this setback,” he stated.

Residents Vent Anger

Many citizens took to social media to vent their anger over recurring waterlogging. Despite repeated promises of improved drainage systems, large sections of the city still sink underwater after every spell of heavy rain. “Every year the same story—waterlogging before Puja. Authorities wake up only when the city is submerged,” wrote a frustrated resident on X (formerly Twitter).

Weather Outlook

The Meteorological Department has forecast light to moderate rain over the next 48 hours, with a possibility of heavier showers in isolated pockets. This has kept residents on edge, fearing further disruption before the Puja festivities.

Festive Spirit Amid Challenges

Despite the grim situation, the resilient spirit of Kolkata shines through. Volunteers and locals joined hands to drain water from pandal areas. Many community kitchens offered free meals to stranded commuters. In a heartwarming gesture, schoolchildren were seen helping elderly neighbors cross flooded lanes.

Kolkata’s love for Durga Puja remains undiminished. Residents believe that, despite the challenges, the festival will once again unite the city in devotion, creativity, and joy.