The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has sanctioned a loan of $200 million to improve the infrastructure for climate- and disaster-resilient sewerage and drainage systems in Kolkata, with the goal of enhancing the city’s overall livability.
This initiative, which falls under the Kolkata Municipal Corporation’s Sustainability, Hygiene, and Resilience Project, is designed to improve health outcomes and living conditions, especially for vulnerable populations, such as women and children, as stated by ADB.
Kolkata, known as one of India’s most crowded and densely populated cities, is currently grappling with severe issues stemming from inadequate drainage and sewer systems, resulting in urban flooding and unsanitary conditions. These problems have been worsened by the increased frequency of heavy rainfall attributed to climate change.
To tackle these challenges, the project will involve the construction of 84 kilometers of combined trunk and secondary sewerage and drainage pipelines, alongside 176 kilometers of lateral sewerage and drainage pipelines leading to household connections. Additionally, it will provide 50,000 direct sewer connections to homes.
The initiative will also include the establishment of a sewage treatment plant and the construction of five pumping stations. In total, the project is expected to benefit more than 277,000 residents.
