Sun Aug 03 01:39:55 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Kolkata and surrounding districts are facing severe waterlogging and infrastructural issues following recent rains. A five-month-old infant tragically drowned in her waterlogged home in Dum Dum. Bad road conditions are causing distress to commuters, and the Mayor cites the need for a dry spell for repairs. An old palace collapsed in Manicktala, injuring two minors, highlighting the vulnerability of dilapidated structures during the monsoon. Water release from Durgapur Barrage and cracks in Tilpara Barrage further exacerbate the flood situation in Hooghly and Birbhum districts, leading to transportation restrictions.
**News Article:**
**Infant Drowns Amidst Kolkata Flooding, Infrastructure Crumbles**
**Kolkata, August 3, 2025** – Kolkata is grappling with severe waterlogging and infrastructure failures following days of heavy rains. A five-month-old infant tragically drowned in her home in the Dum Dum area on Saturday after falling into accumulated rainwater. The incident underscores the dire situation faced by many residents, with complaints mounting about persistent waterlogging and deteriorating road conditions.
Reports indicate the infant’s mother was occupied with household chores when the accident occurred. Local authorities are investigating, while residents express outrage over the chronic flooding problem.
“This severe waterlogging is not a regular issue, “said the local ward councilor Prasanta Das, who claims to have repaired 65% of the roads in the area.
The incident is just one of several alarming events highlighting the city’s vulnerability. A dilapidated two-story palace collapsed in Manicktala, injuring two minors who were rushed to a local hospital. Firefighters attributed the collapse to the recent incessant rains. At least five houses have collapsed during this year’s monsoon.
The situation extends beyond Kolkata, with Hooghly and Howrah districts also battling severe waterlogging. Concerns are amplified by the release of over 68,000 cusecs of water from the Durgapur Barrage, raising the specter of further flooding. Cracks have also been reported in the Tilpara Barrage in Birbhum, leading to restrictions on vehicular traffic.
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation Mayor, Firhad Hakim, acknowledged the poor road conditions, stating that a dry spell is needed to facilitate necessary repairs.
The series of incidents raises serious questions about the city’s preparedness for the monsoon season and the urgent need for infrastructure improvements.
First Piper 