Umbrellas Up, Teams Out: KMC’s Game-Changing Monsoon Emergency Guide

Image Source: Telegraph India

As the monsoon approaches, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has rolled out detailed guidelines to ensure the city is prepared for emergencies arising from heavy rainfall and potential flooding.

Key Highlights:

Dedicated emergency teams will be stationed at borough offices across Kolkata. In boroughs I to VII and XI to XVI, teams of eight labourers with a lorry will be on standby from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Boroughs VIII to X will have larger teams of ten labourers for swift removal of uprooted trees.
The parks and squares department, lighting department, and roads department have all been instructed to maintain rapid response teams for emergencies, including tree falls, lighting failures, and urgent road repairs.
The sewerage and drainage departments are tasked with daily clearing of gully pits and kerb channels, especially during afternoon shifts, to prevent waterlogging. The drainage wing will also man pumping stations round the clock for continuous monitoring and quick action.

Flood control centers will be specially manned in waterlogging-prone pockets, ensuring immediate response to rising water levels.

The health department will keep ambulances ready to transport affected citizens to hospitals if required.

Surveillance of lock-gates along the Hooghly River will be intensified to reduce flooding risk in vulnerable areas such as BBD Bagh, Kalighat, Chetla, New Alipore, and Tollygunge.

Disaster management teams at KMC headquarters will coordinate citywide emergency responses, while borough-specific desilting equipment will be deployed as needed.

These proactive measures aim to minimize disruption and safeguard public health and safety during the monsoon season.

Source: The Statesman, Times of India