Kolkata Grapples with Flooded Streets as Heavy Rain Hits Ahead of Durga Puja

Kolkata woke up to waterlogged streets, traffic chaos, and disrupted daily life after heavy overnight rains left several parts of the city submerged. With Durga Puja just around the corner, the downpour has not only inconvenienced residents but also cast a shadow over preparations for Bengal’s biggest festival.

City Under Water: Daily Life Paralyzed

The rainfall, which began late at night and continued into the early hours, quickly overwhelmed the city’s drainage system. By morning, entire stretches of Kolkata resembled shallow rivers.

• Traffic standstill: Key roads were clogged with vehicles wading through knee-deep water. Rickshaws and autos struggled, while buses crawled at a snail’s pace, causing delays across the city.
• Residential areas hit: Families in low-lying neighborhoods had to shift furniture, unplug electrical appliances, and place sandbags at doorsteps to stop water from seeping indoors.
• Shops and vendors suffer: Small shopkeepers tried covering goods with tarpaulin sheets, but many reported losses as rainwater entered their stalls. Street vendors, especially those selling Puja essentials, were forced to pack up early.

Durga Puja Preparations Take a Blow

For Kolkata, Durga Puja is not just a festival — it’s a cultural heartbeat. Yet the downpour has disrupted last-minute preparations:

• Pandal woes: Many pandals, decorated with intricate artwork and lighting, have seen their lower structures submerged. Committees rushed to raise idol platforms overnight to prevent damage.
• Electrical risks: Exposed wires and lighting setups are being delayed for safety reasons. Workers are waiting for water levels to recede before resuming installation.
• Idol makers anxious: Kumartuli artisans, who work tirelessly to finish clay idols, are worried about damp weather ruining detailed craftsmanship. Some idols are now being shifted to higher grounds as a precaution.

Authorities Step In

Municipal and civic authorities began emergency measures as flooding reports poured in:

• Pumps were deployed in several pockets to clear stagnant water.
• Blocked drains and manholes were opened up to help the flow.
• Public advisories urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, especially in affected zones.
• Police teams managed traffic diversions in severely inundated stretches.

Despite the measures, many citizens expressed frustration, pointing out that waterlogging has become an annual struggle during monsoon and festive months.

Voices from the Ground

The situation has left many with mixed emotions — frustration, fatigue, but also resilience.

• “We spent half the night moving our things upstairs. By morning, our entire street was like a pond,” said one resident in North Kolkata.
• “This Puja is our pride, but how do we celebrate when the pandal itself is underwater?” asked a committee member from a popular South Kolkata pandal.
• A cab driver shared, “Passengers are stuck everywhere. Even short trips are taking twice the time. The water just doesn’t go.”

Uncertain Days Ahead

Weather forecasts suggest that more showers may follow in the coming days. If that happens, the city may continue to battle flooding even as Puja festivities approach.

For now, Kolkata is balancing two realities — the immediate struggle of wading through flooded streets and the unwavering determination to celebrate Durga Puja with grandeur. The rain may have dampened preparations, but it has not diminished the spirit of the people.