Mukherjee, former mayor

If you want to spend some quality time at home, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, with pristine greenery around, then buy a house in Southern Street.

Compared to most of the VIP wards, former mayor Subrata Mukherjee’s ward is picture perfect.

The locality, surprisingly, has no broken roads, no puddles, no piled up garbage on the street, proper drinking water supply and, above all no public grievances.

“We are really happy with our councillor. He gives us a patient hearing every time we go to discuss our problem with him. He also tries to solve our problem as soon as possible,” said Arindam Sarkar, a resident of Southern Street.

After taking a walk in the ward, there is hardly any loophole that a critic would identify except an open vat on the road.

“Just a few days ago we were disgusted with the increase in swarm of mosquitoes in our locality. I sent a letter to our councillor urging him to take the necessary steps to put an end to the mosquito menace. Surprisingly, in a couple of days he took prompt steps, including spraying mosquito repellents, pruning the bushes and cleaning the drains,” said Kajal Dey, a local.

Due to heavy shower, the area occasionally faces waterlogging. In spite of having its own pumping station within the locality, the water that is pumped out does not flow down the drain. As the desilting process has not been carried out properly in the area, water flows back and enters the ward.

“I have repeatedly asked the corporation and the borough office to desilt the drains as soon as possible but they are yet to take any action,” said Subrata Mukherjee. “To keep my area free from waterlogging, I have set up a pumping station in the ward. Until and unless the back flow of water is stopped, the residents will have to face this menace,” added Mukherjee.

On the other hand, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation officials denied the allegation. “We do not have any information about this. The desilting work is performed within the locality. There must be some other problem for which the water is flowing back,” said a senior official, drainage department.

“I always try to pay heed to the needs of the residents of my ward but sometimes it gets difficult as I have to