Rain spells chaos in city

Mehak Kaur Narwal

Patiala, September 23

A short spell of heavy rain left city residents in a fix. Many areas witnessed waterlogging. The poor drainage system led to overflowing of drains and sewerage lines at Model Town, Lehal, Charan Bagh Tripuri, Bus Stand, Model Town, Samania Gate, Ragho Majra, Old Vegetable Market, Officers’ Colony, Guru Nanak Nagar and other areas around the royal city.

Commuters, especially two-wheeler riders and pedestrians, left in the lurch due to the waterlogged streets. Traffic snarls were witnessed at various junctions of the city. Many vehicles broke down on roads and commuters had to push their vehicles to clear the way for other motorists.

Rainwater accumulated on several city roads, including the road near the local court complex and Government Rajindra Hospital, causing inconvenience to patients and other residents.

“We came here to visit a patient at Government Rajindra Hospital. The areas around the OPD, X-ray department and swine flu ward of the hospital were submerged under rainwater. Visitors faced difficulty in entering hospital premises due to waterlogging,” said Rama Devi.

“Model Town which is one of the most well-planned colonies of the city is submerged due to which residents of the colony are facing hardships. It is high time that the municipal authorities should take necessary steps to curb the waterlogging issue,” said Dharshan Kaur, a resident.

“Lack of preparedness of the city administration in tackling waterlogging is visible, said Gagandeep Singh.

Vishwadeep Kaur, another resident, said: “Roads in the city are full of potholes and due to waterlogging, commuting become a difficult task.”

MC officials claimed that waterlogging happened due to the incessant rain for the whole day and the situation would improve by Sunday.