Kolkata water supply has largely returned to normal after the Kolkata Municipal Corporation began using an alternative pipeline following a break in a major line beneath the Tala railway bridge, although the future of the damaged pipeline remains undecided.
The pipeline burst on Monday, disrupting water supply across large parts of north Kolkata and several areas of central and south Kolkata. Residents in the affected neighbourhoods faced acute shortages for several days, with the disruption most severe in northern parts of the city.
According to the municipal authorities, work to create an alternative route alongside the damaged pipeline began on Wednesday and was completed on Thursday morning. Water has since been supplied through this substitute line. Municipal workers said the flow was weaker on Thursday but had become almost normal by Friday.
Residents also reported a gradual improvement. Local sources said some areas began receiving limited water from Wednesday afternoon, while both the flow and pressure improved further on Thursday. By Friday, residents in almost all parts of north Kolkata said that water supply had returned to normal.
Suman Gangopadhyay, a resident of the Tala area, said water services had been normal since the previous day and that residents had received water in the morning. He added that the temporary shortage had caused difficulties after two days without adequate supply. Another resident, Pranoy Bandyopadhyay, said such incidents were not new but felt that the municipal corporation had responded more quickly this time.
Resident Sarma Paik said water had been available since the day before. She also reported that water had entered her home near the railway line, although it drained within a day.
The immediate restoration has reduced the pressure on residents, but the damaged main pipeline has not yet been repaired. It was earlier understood that the alternative line would allow the corporation to empty and repair the old pipeline. The latest account indicates that the corporation is still considering whether the damaged line should be repaired or replaced.
Ritesh Tiwari, the legislator for Kashipur-Belgachia, said no decision had yet been taken on whether the old pipeline would be replaced or repaired. Until that decision is made, the alternative route will continue to serve as the main channel for water supply, according to municipal sources.
