People wade through a waterlogged road in Kolkata after heavy rains. (Press Trust of India photo)
The sun came out around 9 this this morning in Kolkata but overnight rains left large parts of the city waterlogged, disrupted traffic and even affected train services. There was knee-deep water in parts of both north and south Kolkata even till late this evening.
Civic authorities say pumps were deployed to clear the roads but thousands of Kolkatans didn't risk venturing out. Those who dared had harrowing times. Buses and autos were few in number, traffic a nightmare and water was over one's knees in many places.
Cars were stuck in many places.
"Because of waterlogging, my car stopped running. Some people asked for Rs 600 to push the car. Such high charges. What to do. It is waterlogged and I have to go home," said Biplab Dey, a resident of Golf Garden.
Water had receded in most parts of the city by the afternoon but till 7.30 pm, Golf Garden residents were stuck because there was knee-high water outside their homes.
"Poor planning, no investment in infrastructure and no heed to our complaints," fumed Biman Banerjee, a civil engineer and town planner who lives at Golf Garden. "We have petitioned our mayor, councilor, MLA and MP many times because this is a regular problem but they have done nothing."
Dr Sujata Basu, his neighbour, couldn't go to work today because of the waterlogging. "My car got damaged and there were no autos or buses on the main road," she said.
On the main road is a restaurant which couldn't open. "There is more than knee-deep water outside. Every time a car passes by, water gushes inside the restaurant."
With traffic disrupted, metro the best bet for commuters. But reaching the stations was a nightmare.
Civic authorities claim the waterlogging was not severe and tackled on a war footing. But house-bound Kolkatans are not convinced. Venice is on many lips.