Kolkata’s water crisis has spread across large parts of the city after a leak in an underground pipeline near Tala Bridge disrupted supply from north to south, with the Kolkata Municipal Corporation working on an alternative connection to restore distribution. The civic body has indicated that full normalisation may not be possible before Friday.
Water pressure has fallen sharply in parts of north and central Kolkata, while several areas have reported a complete interruption in supply. The disruption has affected locations including Tala, Shobhabazar, Kumartuli, Baghbazar, Maniktala, Bagmari, Entally, Girish Park, Ahiritola and the Sealdah area. Parts of south Kolkata, including AJC Bose Road, Ballygunge and Kasba, have also experienced interruptions.
The damaged pipeline lies beneath Tala Bridge and is described in the report as a British-era underground line. According to the municipal water-supply department, civic workers have begun connecting a 1,200-millimetre pipeline located about 500 metres from the damaged site to the main 1,800-millimetre pipeline through a diversion route. The temporary connection is intended to restart water distribution while allowing the damaged section to be isolated and inspected.
Civic officials said the affected section remains waterlogged, making it difficult to identify the exact location and extent of the leak. Once the alternative line is operational, the damaged pipeline can be emptied, which is expected to make the repair site easier to locate and address.
The corporation has also announced a temporary shutdown in Belgachia, Tarashankar Sarani and adjoining areas while the work continues. It said supply to these areas would be restored within six to seven hours after the repair-related work is completed. Residents have been advised to store drinking water in advance, use water carefully and avoid wastage.
The disruption has been particularly severe in parts of wards 18 and 19, including Sonagachhi Lane, Durgacharan Mitra Street, Imam Bux Lane, Natherbagan and Sheikhpara. The report said residents in several locations continued to face shortages on Wednesday after the problem began on Monday.
The corporation said water tankers were being sent to affected areas in north, central and south Kolkata and advised residents to contact its designated helpline in emergencies. Residents told Anandabazar that tankers had reached some locations after calls, but not others. The civic body said it was not possible to send tankers everywhere simultaneously.
The report also records a political allegation that ageing pipelines had received inadequate maintenance and had previously developed smaller leaks. The allegation was made by BJP North Kolkata district president Tamoghna Ghosh and has not been independently established in the supplied material. The corporation’s immediate response remains focused on completing the alternative connection, identifying the damaged section and restoring normal supply.
