‘Remove encroachments on drains, upgrade sewerage’

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 21

While downpour caught city residents off guard, Met Department officials maintained that flooding in city areas was due to encroachments on natural drains (choe) and the poor sewerage system.

They further said the tricity would have to be combat the changing climatic conditions besides removing encroachments on natural drains and improving the drainage system.

“Encroachments on drains will have to be removed. The illegal construction and blocking of drains have led to the flooding of the city. The sewerage is also outdated and needs to be upgraded,” observed Dr Surinder Paul, Director Chandigarh Meteorological Centre

Climate change to blame

Met Department Director Surinder Paul admitted that the weather was changing and spells of rain were becoming shorter and sharper.

“Earlier the weather used to be predicted three days in advance but with a change in the climatic conditions, we are left with a window of five to six hours to predict rainfall. The Administration will have to be prepared for the limited time frame,” said Paul.

Commenting on today’s high-intensity rainfall, he said, “Such rain causes flash floods and landslides. Water just runs off the surface. It does not seep into the earth. Slow and constant showers are always better as raindrops are properly absorbed. Later, the clear sky adds to humidity.”

He said earlier the rainfall used to remain for two to three days whereas in the past 10 years, the consistency of the rain has reduced to 24 hours. “However, the intensity of rainfall has increased. Heavy showers are being witnessed in a matter of few hours,” said Surinder Paul. He said the cutting of trees, emission of greenhouse gases are some of the major factors behind the changing rain pattern.

Cleaning of choes 

Chandigarh: The Municipal Corporation has planned to clean and increase the depth of the Sukhna Choe, Patiala-ki-Rao Choe and the N-Choe to tackle waterlogging. The MC will write to the Administration regarding it. MC officials have found that waterlogging was primarily due to non-cleaning of the choes. “These choes can retain ample water. Even if road gullies are cleaned, leaves or tree branches block these,” said an MC official. The Sukhna Choe flows north to south and joins the Ghaggar. The Patiala-ki-Rao Choe flows northeast to southwest. The N-Choe flows through Leisure Valley. TNS