From Legacy to Liability? Drainage Woes Threaten DMET Kolkata Cadets
- DMET Cadets
- Nov 3
- 3 min read
The Indian Maritime University, Kolkata Campus Erstwhile DMET - MERI, once hailed as the cradle of India’s maritime excellence, is today fighting a battle not against storms at sea — but against the floods within its own campus.
For decades, DMET Kolkata has stood as a proud symbol of India’s maritime legacy. Established in 1949 as the Directorate of Marine Engineering Training (DMET), and rooted in the nation’s earliest marine training aboard T.S. Dufferin in 1927, this institution has produced thousands of marine engineers, officers, and maritime professionals who have carried India’s flag across every ocean.
Yet, despite its glorious past, the campus now finds itself sinking — both literally and symbolically — under the weight of neglect and infrastructural decay.
The Challenge Beneath the Surface
Every monsoon exposes the same recurring tragedy: poor drainage, stagnant water, and unsafe living conditions. Even a few hours of heavy rain submerge large portions of the campus — from classrooms and laboratories to hostels and sports grounds.
Flooded Hostels: Ground floors remain inundated for days, forcing cadets to wade through ankle-deep water just to reach their rooms.
Unusable Sports Facilities: Once vibrant sports grounds for basketball now lie submerged, disrupting physical training essential for cadet discipline and fitness.
Health & Safety Hazards: Stagnant water breeds mosquitoes and snakes, putting cadets at constant risk. In fact, the senior hostel basketball court and the old junior quadrangle have been under water for more than four months, turning into breeding zones for insects and reptiles.
Interrupted Academics: Laboratories and classrooms become inaccessible, forcing cancellations of practicals and classes — critical for a course as technically demanding as marine engineering.
Despite repeated reports, requests, and reminders to the campus administration, CPWD, Kolkata Port Trust, and Kolkata Municipal Corporation, the issue remains unresolved.
What was once the pride of Indian maritime education is now facing what many cadets describe as “flooded neglect.”
Excellence Amidst Adversity
But even as the infrastructure fails them, the cadets of IMU Kolkata (Erstwhile DMET MERI) refuse to falter.
At the IMO MOCK 2025 Finals in Mumbai, five teams from the campus brought home honors — a testament to their grit, discipline, and technical prowess:
🏆 MSC Committee – First Place: Pranav Amit Prasad & Mohd Emaad Khan
🏆 MEPC Committee – First Place: Isham Ahmed, Aman Somra & Mohammad Kaif
🏆 SDC Committee – First Place: Divya & Navneet Krishna
🥈 HTW Committee – First Runner-Up: Kanika C & Krish Chhandwal
👏 MSC Committee – Finalists: Shubham Sumit & Prashant Kumar
These achievements underline the indomitable DMET spirit — the same spirit that has guided generations of engineers through storms, both literal and metaphorical.
A Call to the Alumni Fraternity
The DMET MERI alumni community spans across oceans and industries — from shipyards and ports to multinational corporations and international waters. Today, your alma mater needs you more than ever.
This is not just about infrastructure; it’s about upholding the dignity of an institution that shaped your careers and character.
Here’s how alumni can make an immediate difference:
⚓ Raise Awareness: Use your networks and social platforms to amplify the issue — make the problem visible beyond campus walls.
⚓ Advocate for Action: Engage with the authorities, administration, and maritime organizations to prioritize drainage and infrastructure repair.
⚓ Extend Support: Through expert advice, engineering solutions, or financial contributions, alumni can directly support sustainable campus restoration.
⚓ Mentor Cadets: Continue to inspire current batches — guide them through challenges and remind them of the power of perseverance.
Preserving the Legacy
The legacy of DMET Kolkata has never been built on comfort — it has been forged through discipline, endurance, and unity. But no cadet should have to risk health or safety just to pursue education.
As the monsoon clouds gather again, one question remains — Can we let the birthplace of India’s marine engineers be washed away by negligence?
