Kolkata: The city and its adjoining areas witnessed heavy rainfall on Sunday in the latter half of the morning, causing waterlogging in many parts of the city and slowing down traffic at several parts of the city, including stretches of south and central Kolkata, the VIP Road and Sector V.Several important road stretches, including Camac Street, Muktarambabu Street, Thantania, Amherst Street, MG Road, Sealdah and parts of Kankurgachi, Ultadanga, Patipukur , Alipore and Behala were under ankle deep water as vehicles moved slowly. Stretches of Patuli, Jadavpur and Kasba also reported some waterlogging.Water reportedly even entered the premises of RG Kar Medical College Hospital. However, after the rain stopped, the water in many areas gradually began to recede.However, with civic authorities going on flushing water, especially across the stretches of Thantania and Amherst Street, the waterlogging did not last too long.The KMC civic workers were deployed on the streets to open the manholes and clean up the gully pits to flush out storm water. A large tree was uprooted and blocked a portion of Central Avenue as civic workers were sent to cut the tree branches and clear the road.The city’s biggest roadblock came near Chandni Chowk on CR Avenue where a large tree fell blocking movement on one flank of this busy stretch for around 45 minutes.“The tree snapped and fell onto a power line, raising concerns. After being informed, municipal staff and CESC workers arrived at the scene. It was removed after about 45 minutes of effort. Since there is usually lesser traffic on the roads on Sundays, and especially when it rains, no significant congestion occurred,” claimed a traffic cop.In the northern fringes, waterlogging occured at Haldiram on VIP Road and adjoining neighbourhood areas at Kaikhali and Chinar Park. However, unlike some other recent experiences, the water level remained lesser than usual.A serious accident was narrowly avoided in Kaikhali involving an app-based cab. While heading toward Chinar Park, the cab fell into a pothole hidden under accumulated rainwater.Large parts of Sector V and pockets of Salt Lake and New Town were also inundated following the heavy rains.Two passengers were inside at the time. As the vehicle became stuck in the water, its doors would not open. Local shopkeepers somehow managed to open the door from outside and rescue both passengers. After being informed, police from the Kaikhali Traffic Guard arrived at the scene. One side of the vehicle had sunk into the water, and it took several minutes of effort to pull it out.State urban development & municipal affairs department minister Agnimitra Paul said that she will soon sit and discuss with all the development authorities in the city, including Nabadiganta Industrial Township Authority, New Town Kolkata Development Authority, Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority, and others to take stock of the monsoon waterlogging preventive measures and other issues.“I will hold meetings with all development authorities to discuss several verticals in detail,” Paul said.
