KMC prepares to flush out storm water, state sounds alert for coastal districts
Times of India | 29 May 2025
Kolkata/Digha: In the wake of the heavy rain alert on Thursday, Nabanna has alerted the DMs, particularly those in charge of the coastal districts, to ensure that quick response teams, along with the disaster management groups, are ready to tackle the situation at a short notice. The DMs were asked to keep relief materials handy, start operating the control rooms in all blocks and sub-divisions, and provide regular updates to the Nabanna control room.In Kolkata, KMC has started preparations for the city's non-sewer and low-lying areas. It may need to arrange portable pumps to flush out stormwater from these areas. The civic body will also employ manpower 24x7 at the major drainage pumping stations. Additionally, the KMC drainage wing will engage a special sewer cleaning team in the waterlogging-prone areas.The KMC drainage department is also concerned about the functioning of the lock gates along the Hooghly. "We have planned to engage extra manpower to man our lock gates," said a civic official. Across the state, the state administration has kept the civil defence, QR teams, the power department, PWD and the forest departments on high alert. Fishermen have been told not to venture into the sea. Breaches were reported along the embankments at Lakshmipur near Fraserganj, and tourists have been advised not to go out at Bakkhali. Similarly, tourists in Digha and Mandarmani areas were cautioned not to move around. At Digha, there was light to moderate rain on Wednesday, and the sea was quite rough due to strong winds. A tourist had a close shave after going for a swim in the deep sea. Midnapore (East) DM Purnendu Maji said, "We request tourists to refrain from bathing in the sea. We have opened control rooms in all blocks. BDOs have been asked to evacuate people from low-lying areas in case of waterlogging."Meanwhile, Nabanna has asked the agriculture and animal resources development departments to stay prepared for the situation. Farmers have been advised to move vegetables and rice from the fields to safer locations. The ARD department has warned to relocate livestock, including poultry, and to stockpile adequate food. Midnapore (West) DM Khurshid Ali Qadri held a meeting with senior officials, opened control rooms, and asked blocks to stockpile food for any exigency.(Inputs by Sujoy Khanra)