waterworld...!

Within minutes of Dhoni lifting the coveted T20 Cup, the lights went out, almost in celebration! It had already been raining with a vengeance for the better part of the evening, but almost every living creature in our neighbourhood remained glued to the match. Meanwhile, the water-level had also 'risen' to the occasion; it had cleverly made it's way into ground-floor apartments, garages (in some cases, dangerously close to CESC meter boxes) and a number of water-reservoirs - the damage was done! Eventually, by the time Team India was comfortably in their dressing rooms, Lake Town was underwater. Though engulfed in darkness, it was evident (in spite of the poor visibility) that we were surrounded...

The next morning, Lake Town woke up to 'waterworld'!

[Above/Right: The view from our balcony on Tuesday (25th September). This is how it would remain for the next 3 days!]


For those of us who were (un)fortunate enough to have been here in 1999 - we had encountered this once before... or had we? This was unarguably the worst 'flood' that Lake Town had ever seen. Till date, the majority of the lanes that comprise this township are still water-logged. I consider myself extremely fortunate that we seem to be out of this mess for the present.

But it isn't like we're home and dry just yet - the theme for the week that follows will be 'health and safety'. And that translates into gallons of disinfectants, bleaching powder and and army of street sweepers equipped with their brooms and shovels, clearing away the muck.

Here are just a few glimpses from the week that was...

Left: En route to work! The rickshaw was a lifesaver during these trying times...












Right: The normally 'hyperactive' VIP Road is deserted due to protests and road-blocks courtesy the residents of Bangur (Photo --> from atop the Lake Town-Salt Lake foot-bridge)








Left: Tread carefully! The lake (adjacent to VIP Road) had spilt over and was one with the street...






Right: Lake Town-VIP Road crossing - Rickshaws ferry their passengers sans belongings to (relative/temporary) safety...






Left: "Pump fiction"? News channels and men in white, spotless clothing kept monotonously announcing that 'steps were being taken', but alas! There was nothing in sight... until Thursday evening. Till then, the pump was just a myth. Finally, on Thursday night, the water was slowly transported into the Keshtopur canal. This would be a daily activity for the next few days...







Right: Thursday night - VIP Road is cordoned off as the water is pumped into the Keshtopur canal from Lake Town.



Soon, all the water will subside and then the only thoughts in our minds will be those of the festive months ahead. The newspapers that carried the woes of a thousand-odd citizens will be 'recycled' by then; the media will have 'other' news. This 'issue' will soon be shoved under a carpet and 'forgotten'... till the rains return!

Complete the series: 1999, 2007, ....?