Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has announced a new project to link three vital canals to the Chorial Khal, which will ultimately channel stormwater into the Hooghly River. This ambitious initiative, set to cost around ₹31.38 crore, is designed to provide a long-term solution to the city’s drainage problems, particularly in areas that face frequent flooding during monsoon seasons.The three canals—Sonamukhi Khal, Babur Bagan Khal, and Bigha Khal—are crucial elements of the city’s water management system. By connecting these canals to the main Chorial Khal, the KMC hopes to enhance the overall water-carrying capacity, thereby ensuring that stormwater is efficiently discharged into the Hooghly River.
This initiative is not only aimed at improving flood control but also at creating sustainable, eco-friendly urban spaces.Sonamukhi Khal, in particular, will undergo significant transformation. The KMC plans to develop an environment-friendly infrastructure around the canal, including green built areas and sponge pathways that can absorb water. This will reduce the runoff of stormwater, preventing it from accumulating and contributing to flooding. The project aims to create a green buffer zone that will also enhance the surrounding urban environment.The Babur Bagan Khal, located in another flood-prone area, is set to receive a similar upgrade. This intervention will help alleviate waterlogging issues in localities that frequently suffer from stagnant water during the monsoon.
The canal’s linkage to the Chorial Khal is expected to mitigate the problem by providing an efficient route for stormwater discharge.Meanwhile, the Bigha Khal, another critical canal in the area, will be restored to prevent further flooding in its catchment areas. The KMC estimates that the cost of these three canal linkage projects will be approximately ₹14.13 crore, ₹5.79 crore, and ₹11.46 crore respectively. The funds for the project will be sourced from the National Disaster Mitigation Fund, aimed at strengthening the city’s resilience against climate-related challenges.Tarak Singh, the member mayor-in-council for the Drainage Department, has also highlighted that the project includes plans to restore other canals that have been encroached upon or filled with waste over time.
Restoration efforts will begin next month in areas such as Thakurpukur, Behala, and Joka, where over 13 canals have been affected by urban encroachment and indiscriminate dumping of waste.This development is part of a broader effort to create a more sustainable and resilient Kolkata, one that can handle the challenges posed by climate change and rapid urbanisation. By enhancing its drainage infrastructure, the city aims to reduce the impact of flooding and improve the overall quality of life for its residents. However, the success of the project will depend not just on infrastructure improvements but also on addressing the broader issues of urban waste management and encroachment that have plagued Kolkata’s waterways for years.As Kolkata continues to grapple with the twin challenges of flood management and sustainable urban development, this initiative represents a critical step towards a more eco-friendly, equitable, and climate-resilient city.