In a decisive move to curb the chronic water crisis, Kolkata’s municipal authorities have announced a comprehensive Kolkata water supply upgrade that will eliminate the city’s dependence on groundwater by 2027. The plan, unveiled by Mayor Firhad Hakim, includes the construction of two semi‑underground reservoirs and two booster pumping stations, alongside a new 20‑million‑gallon treatment plant at Dhapa, all aimed at delivering safe, treated water to the city’s most water‑starved neighbourhoods.
Background / Context
Kolkata’s rapid urbanisation has outpaced its water infrastructure, forcing millions of residents to rely on shallow wells and contaminated sources. In the south‑east corridor—Jodhpur Park, Lake Gardens, and stretches along the EM Bypass—groundwater levels have plummeted, and the quality of the water has deteriorated to hazardous levels. The city’s water supply system, largely dependent on the Dhapa and Garden Reach treatment plants, has struggled to meet the growing demand, especially during the dry season.
Last year, the state government flagged the issue as a public health emergency, urging the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) to accelerate its water supply upgrade. The new plan aligns with the state’s “Clean Water for All” initiative, which seeks to modernise water infrastructure and reduce the health risks associated with unsafe drinking water.
Key Developments
Mayor Hakim’s announcement outlines four pivotal components of the upgrade:
- Two semi‑underground reservoirs—each with a capacity of 30 million litres—will be built in the Jodhpur Park and Lake Gardens areas. These reservoirs will store treated water during peak supply hours and release it during demand spikes, ensuring a steady flow.
- Two booster pumping stations—one at Mandir Para Uttaran and another at Jodhpur Park—will receive raw water from Dhapa and Garden Reach, respectively. The Mandir Para station will have a storage capacity of 40.9 lakh litres, while the Jodhpur Park station will handle 35 lakh litres.
- Expansion of the Dhapa treatment plant—the new 20‑million‑gallon facility will augment the plant’s capacity from 12 to 32 million gallons per day, addressing the shortfall in treated water supply.
- Main pipeline network upgrades—over 15 km of new mains will be laid along the EM Bypass, connecting the booster stations to the city’s distribution grid.
Construction of the reservoirs and booster stations began in early 2024, with a projected completion date of December 2026. The Dhapa plant expansion is slated for operational status by March 2027, just in time to meet the 2027 deadline for groundwater independence.
“This is a watershed moment for Kolkata,” said KMC Water Supply Commissioner, Ramesh Kumar. “By integrating treated water into the supply chain, we are not only safeguarding public health but also preserving our precious groundwater reserves for future generations.”
Impact Analysis
The upgrade will have far‑reaching implications for residents, businesses, and the city’s environment:
- Health benefits—The shift to treated water will reduce incidences of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and dysentery, which currently affect an estimated 12 % of the city’s population.
- Economic savings—Households will cut down on the cost of buying bottled water and purchasing water purifiers. The city estimates a potential annual savings of ₹1.2 billion for residents in the targeted areas.
- Environmental conservation—By halting groundwater extraction, the plan will help recharge aquifers, stabilize river flows, and mitigate the risk of land subsidence.
- Urban resilience—The new infrastructure will provide a buffer against future droughts and climate‑induced water shortages, ensuring continuity of supply during extreme weather events.
Students and young professionals in the affected districts will experience a marked improvement in daily life. “I used to fetch water from a nearby tube well every morning,” shared 22‑year‑old student, Ananya Sharma. “Now, the tap water tastes clean, and I no longer worry about getting sick.”
Expert Insights / Tips
Water‑resource specialists advise residents to adopt the following practices to maximise the benefits of the upgrade:
- Check water quality reports—KMC will publish monthly water quality data on its website. Residents should verify that the water meets the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) norms before consumption.
- Maintain household plumbing—Old pipes can harbour bacteria. Replace lead or galvanized pipes with PVC or copper to ensure the treated water remains safe.
- Use water‑saving fixtures—Low‑flow taps, dual flush toilets, and rainwater harvesting systems can reduce overall demand, easing the load on the new infrastructure.
- Report leaks promptly—Leaking mains not only waste water but also compromise the system’s pressure. Residents can report issues via the KMC mobile app.
“The success of this upgrade hinges on community participation,” noted Dr. Sanjay Patel, a hydrology professor at Jadavpur University. “Public awareness campaigns and regular monitoring will ensure that the treated water reaches every tap safely.”
Looking Ahead
While the 2027 deadline marks a significant milestone, KMC plans to sustain the momentum with further initiatives:
- Implementation of a real‑time water‑metering system across the city to monitor consumption patterns and detect anomalies.
- Expansion of the treatment network to cover the northern and western districts by 2030.
- Integration of smart water‑management technologies, such as AI‑driven leak detection and predictive maintenance.
- Collaboration with NGOs and private partners to promote water‑conservation education in schools and colleges.
City officials anticipate that the upgraded supply will reduce groundwater extraction by 70 % in the targeted zones, setting a precedent for other Indian metros grappling with similar challenges.
“We are not just building infrastructure; we are building a healthier, more sustainable Kolkata,” Mayor Hakim concluded. “The next generation will inherit a city that values clean water as a fundamental right.”
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