Kolkata: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has announced the approval of a 200 million U.S. dollar loan aimed at improving climate- and disaster-resilient sewerage and drainage infrastructure in Kolkata, India. This initiative is designed to combat the city's long-standing issues with urban flooding and inadequate sanitation, enhancing the overall living conditions for its residents.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the project will involve the construction of 84 kilometers of combined trunk and secondary sewerage and drainage pipelines, in addition to 176 kilometers of combined lateral sewerage and drainage pipelines extending up to customer connections. Furthermore, 50,000 household sewer connections will be installed, alongside one sewage treatment plant and five pumping stations, to bolster the city's infrastructure.

Kolkata, known for its high population density, has been grappling with significant challenges due to its outdated drainage and sewerage systems. These inadequacies have led to frequent urban floods and unsanitary conditions, impacting the health and well-being of its residents. The ADB emphasized that the project is expected to bring about improvements in living conditions and health outcomes, especially for vulnerable groups, by mitigating the risks of waterborne and vector-borne diseases and addressing flood hazards.