Industrial activity in parts of Panihati municipality has been severely affected for months due to persistent waterlogging and inadequate drainage, with businesses and local residents reporting difficulties caused by stagnant rainwater. The problem has become particularly visible during the monsoon, when even moderate showers leave roads and commercial areas submerged, disrupting movement and affecting daily economic activity.

The main gate of Texmaco Rail & Engineering Ltd., a multi-unit engineering and infrastructure company located in the municipality, has emerged as one of the affected areas. During a visit by a correspondent in the first week of September, ankle-deep water was found extending nearly 500 metres from the company’s main gate. The recurring waterlogging has raised concerns about access to industrial units and the impact on workers, transport vehicles and surrounding businesses.

Local residents said the waterlogging occurs after almost every moderate shower during the monsoon season. Poor drainage has prevented rainwater from clearing quickly, leaving roads and adjoining areas submerged for prolonged periods. The situation has affected not only industrial operations but also small shops and street vendors who depend on regular customer movement and accessible roads for their livelihoods.

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Several vegetable and fish sellers have reportedly been forced to improvise by placing their goods on additional tables and chairs to keep them above the water that has entered or submerged the floors of their shops. Shop owners said that when roads remain waterlogged, customers avoid the area, resulting in a sharp decline in business. The disruption has added to the economic difficulties faced by residents already dependent on daily sales.

Activist and Panihati resident Debasish Dutta has repeatedly raised the issue with successive administrations, including the previous Trinamool Congress regime and the present Bharatiya Janata Party government. According to the report, Mr. Dutta has written numerous complaints and letters highlighting the drainage and waterlogging problems, but no effective action has been taken to resolve the situation. The continued complaints reflect growing frustration among residents over the lack of a lasting solution.

The recurring flooding in Panihati has highlighted the wider consequences of inadequate civic infrastructure in an industrial and densely populated municipality. With waterlogging affecting access to factories, disrupting local commerce and creating difficulties for residents, the demand for improved drainage and timely municipal intervention has intensified. Locals say a permanent solution is needed to prevent moderate rainfall from repeatedly bringing industrial and commercial activity to a standstill.

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