Kolkata: The New Town Kolkata Development Authority (NKDA) has set aside a fund of Rs 52.4 lakh and engaged supervisors for round-the-clock maintenance of the 66 km long canal stretches and 250 km long drainage lines across all three Action Areas of New Town for the next two years.
"The aim is to execute work in a more systematic manner by having regular supervision," said an NKDA official. NKDA has been working to cover the periphery canals or drainage channels in New Town by installing box-shaped concrete slabs on selected sections. This measure aims to maintain cleanliness and prevent waste accumulation on the sides of the canal stretches, which could become mosquito breeding grounds.
Officials stated that these channels, which separate New Town from neighbouring panchayat areas, maintain an average width of 10 m. "The channels are all man-made. These were created by digging during the formation of the township to carry drained storm and sewer water from Bagjola and Kestopur canals. These drainage channels help prevent the township from getting flooded during heavy rainfall," said an official.
Regarding the drainage line network, the authorities conduct periodic cleaning to ensure the channels are not choked. "Cleaning and routine maintenance work of the drainage lines are done throughout the year as required," said an official. The supervisors will also oversee the periodic maintenance of the ferrule lines through which filtered water is supplied to households.
NKDA is also in the process of engaging separate agencies for each Action Area for the yearly repair of ferrule and connecting pipes on an emergency basis.