In a significant move to bolster urban infrastructure and public health, the New Town Kolkata Development Authority (NKDA) has launched a comprehensive, two-year maintenance plan for its extensive network of canals and drainage lines. The authority has earmarked a dedicated fund of Rs 52.4 lakh and appointed supervisors for round-the-clock oversight.
Systematic Upkeep for Critical Water Channels
The initiative targets the 66 km long canal stretches and the sprawling 250 km long drainage line network across all three Action Areas of New Town. An NKDA official emphasized that the engagement of dedicated supervisors aims to execute maintenance work in a more systematic and efficient manner through regular, professional supervision.
NKDA has been proactively working on covering the periphery canals and drainage channels. This involves installing box-shaped concrete slabs on selected sections. The primary goals of this measure are twofold: to maintain cleanliness and to prevent waste accumulation along the canal banks, which are potential mosquito breeding grounds.
Man-Made Channels: The First Line of Flood Defense
Officials provided crucial context about these vital waterways. The channels, which act as a boundary separating New Town from neighbouring panchayat areas, have an average width of 10 meters. They are entirely man-made, excavated during the township's formation to serve a critical purpose.
"These channels were created by digging to carry drained storm and sewer water from the Bagjola and Kestopur canals," explained an official. "This network is fundamental in preventing the township from getting flooded during periods of heavy rainfall." This highlights their role as essential infrastructure for urban resilience.
Holistic Maintenance: Drains and Water Supply Lines
The maintenance strategy is holistic. For the drainage network, authorities conduct periodic cleaning throughout the year to ensure the channels remain free of blockages and choked. "Cleaning and routine maintenance work of the drainage lines are done as required across all seasons," the official stated.
The appointed supervisors will also oversee the periodic maintenance of the ferrule lines. These are the pipelines responsible for supplying filtered water to households in New Town. In a parallel step to ensure water supply reliability, NKDA is in the process of engaging separate agencies for each Action Area. These agencies will be tasked with the yearly repair of ferrule and connecting pipes, specifically on an emergency basis to address urgent issues swiftly.
This multi-pronged approach, backed by a substantial financial allocation and dedicated human resources, underscores NKDA's commitment to sustainable urban management, flood prevention, and enhancing the overall living environment in New Town.
