Kolkata: Lower Rawdon Street neighbours hope for ‘Sourav relief’ from waterlogging – Times of India

KOLKATA: There is a buzz in Lower Rawdon Street, a blind lane to the south of AJC Bose Road that houses both high-rises and bungalows, over Sourav Ganguly taking up residence there after he purchased a two-storeyed house on a 23.6-cottah plot. The residents, many of them from prominent business houses, hope the BCCI president and former Team India captain’s arrival will solve the vexed drainage problem that sees the cul-de-sac sink in knee-deep water every monsoon.
Around 10 kilometres away, residents of Behala’s Biren Roy Road East, who have always taken pride of the fact that there is a celebrity in their midst, are a tad worried about their neighbourhood losing its sheen when Ganguly shifts to the new address near Minto Park. But they are confident that ‘Dada’ will not cut off ties with the para where he has lived all life and continues to be a part of Durga Puja that he always attends with wife Dona and daughter Sana.

“I was looking for a centrally-located place in the city. As my residence in Behala is a bit away from the city hub, travelling was becoming a problem with increasing traffic in Kolkata,” Ganguly was learnt to have said among his close quarters. There is no doubt that the former India skipper had actually got busier after retiring from the game getting involved in various fields of work. “I feel this place will help in my work operation. But of course leaving a place of 48 years won’t be easy,” he reportedly said.
The two-storeyed bungalow that Ganguly has purchased at 8/1A Lower Rawdon Street for around Rs 40 crore has a carpet area of around 10,000 sq ft and a sprawling lawn spread across 7,200-8,000 sq ft. The bungalow also has an outhouse, covered garage for two cars and a paved driveway.
“I was aware that the house was up for sale but that Ganguly has purchased it is news. Perhaps, his arrival will lead to an upgrade in civic infrastructure, particularly the waterlogging issue,” said next-door neighbour Arvind Saraogi. Besides the Saraogis, who own Balrampur Chini Mills, the lane houses the Rajgharias, Dagas and Gangwals who have interest in varied businesses including tea.
Deepali Singhi, principal of JD Birla College situated in the neighbourhood, is thrilled at the prospect of ‘Maharaj’ taking up residence alongside. “It is fantastic to have such a legend live among us. I hope it will motivate students who are enthusiastic about sports to pursue their dreams.”
Manya Singhania, a student of the college, admitted it would give them the bragging rights about studying in Ganguly’s neighbourhood.
There are some who have concerns as well. A businessman, who did not wish to be named, felt the tranquillity that anonymity provides could get disturbed by the arrival of the celebrity and the attention that he will draw. “But I hope it will be back to normal soon,” the person said.
Though Ganguly has purchased the house, sources said he may opt not to move into it. “The design of the bungalow is somewhat dated and out of sync with his personality. The house may be demolished and a new house constructed in its place. If that happens, it could be another two years before Ganguly moves in,” said an architect.
In 2/6 Biren Roy Road East, Sourav Ganguly’s family currently resides with his mother, brother Snehashish and uncles. Shubham Mitra, joint secretary of the local sports club Players’ Corner, said it was not possible to think about Durga Puja without Ganguly’s participation. “We are confident he will return for the Puja every year,” he said.
Sudip Polley, councillor of Ward 23 where the Ganguly mansion is located, said: “Sourav Ganguly is an icon and Behala is proud to be his home. Famous people tend to choose a better place to move into. I am sure he will have a lot of fond memories about Behala.”