Mamata calls up Sovan over pitiful condition of roads, waterlogging woes in Behala

Kolkata: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday called up Mayor Sovan Chatterjee and expressed her discontentment over the condition of some roads in Behala and reports of waterlogging in certain pockets of the area.

Prodded by the Chief Minister, Chatterjee asked Member, Mayor-in-Council (Drainage) Tarak Singh to fast track the process of the ongoing projects in parts of Behala, to prevent water accumulation.

Speaking to reporters, Singh said, "The work for a Rs 700 crore project for drainage overhaul taken up by Kolkata Environmental Improvement Project (KEIP), is underway at James Long Sarani and near Rammohan Road (Tollygunge Karunamoyee). The work for the Metro project is also going on, which is deteriorating the condition of the roads. We are repairing roads but within a few days, they are getting

damaged again due to repair work."

"We are taking all possible measures and situations will improve soon," he added.

It may be mentioned that due to heavy rain in the city a few days ago, there was waterlogging in certain pockets of Behala, including areas in and around Behala Flying Club, Sakher Bazar and Silpara to name a few. There was a day last week, when in half an hour there was more than 100 mm rain and in three hours, the average was 80 mm.

"The infrastructure for the pumping station near Behala Flying Club is being overhauled. Five pumps will soon be installed for drainage of water through Begor Khal. We hope to have things in place by July 10," Singh added.

At present, there are at least three places, where the Diamond Harbour Road has been dug up, the most prominent one being near the Old Dog Race Course Housing Estate, close to Ajanta Cinema. The two other sites are at Kolkata Blind School crossing and Kadamtala.