KMC to spend Rs 140 crore to desilt north Kolkata subterranean sewer

KOLKATA: The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) plans to desilt an underground sewer between Moulali and Palmer Bazar, which will help alleviate flooding in sections of north and central Kolkata.

According to a KMC engineer, the 1.75-kilometer sewer is one of the city’s first drainage tunnels, erected by the British more than a century ago. The first brick sewer lines were installed in north and central Kolkata, along APC Road, AJC Bose Road, and Lenin Sarani. These pipes come together at the Moulali crossing, where a 1.75-kilometer brick sewer line transports sewage to the Palmer Bazar drainage pumping station, which uses high-powered motors to remove water.

“All rainwater from north Kolkata runs through the desilted sewer to the Palmer Bazar drainage pumping station,” the engineer explained. The desilting is expected to cost Rs 140 crore, according to a detailed project study provided by the KMC. The first call of tenders for the project received no response. A new tender has been issued, and offers must be received by February 22.

A KMC official stated, “The contractor that would be awarded the project will have 36 months to complete the job.” The desilted brick sewer, which is 20 ft X 25 ft in size, is formed like a kettle. Water from Shyambazar, Girish Park, Hedua, Thanthania, and other parts of north Kolkata is channeled into the major brick sewer beneath APC Road, then to the Palmer Bazar drainage pumping station.