Major Water Pipeline Repair Underway in South Kolkata
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation's water supply department initiated urgent repairs on Saturday night to fix critical leaks in a major water pipeline running beneath Ballygunge Circular Road. The pipeline had developed breaches the previous day, threatening water supply to several neighborhoods in the Ballygunge area.
Civic engineers faced significant challenges due to heavy daytime traffic, forcing them to wait until nighttime to begin repair operations. The massive 1200-mm diameter pipeline serves as a crucial conduit for filtered water distribution across multiple residential areas in Ballygunge.
Traffic Delays and Technical Challenges
According to a KMC water supply department official, the pipeline failure likely resulted from extreme water pressure. "We have successfully identified the leak locations and are working to complete all repairs by Sunday evening," the official stated. The timing of the repair work was strategically planned to minimize disruption to Kolkata's notorious traffic flow.
The situation highlights the aging infrastructure challenges facing Kolkata's water distribution system. The 1200mm concrete pipes, while robust, are showing signs of wear and tear under increasing urban pressure.
Gariahat's Persistent Pipeline Problems
Meanwhile, civic authorities expressed growing concern about another 1200mm-diameter concrete pipe near Gariahat ITI that has been regularly springing leaks since 2022. This persistent problem has caused severe damage to a significant portion of Gariahat Road.
Despite recent efforts by the KMC roads department to repair the affected stretch using paver blocks, water seepage from the underlying pipeline has already begun damaging the newly laid surface. The frequent leakage has created multiple potholes that contribute to severe traffic congestion near Gariahat ITI, particularly during peak hours.
A roads department official emphasized the interconnected nature of the problems, stating they can only conduct comprehensive repairs on the Gariahat stretch after the water supply department addresses the pipeline cracks. "We have sent an urgent request to the water supply department, seeking immediate pipeline repairs to enable proper road restoration," the official explained.
Coordinated Repair Efforts Required
The water supply department confirmed they are in discussions with Lalbazar police headquarters before finalizing a detailed repair strategy for the Gariahat section. "Given that Gariahat Road is a major traffic artery, we must coordinate with traffic police authorities before commencing work," a KMC water supply official noted.
The situation underscores the complex challenges of maintaining urban infrastructure in one of India's most densely populated cities. Residents of affected areas are hoping for swift resolution to both the immediate water supply issues and the longer-term infrastructure problems plaguing the region.
