Concrete structure to replace Nabipur drain, Gurdaspur heaves a sigh of relief

The entire city heaved a sigh of relief after the Punjab Government decided to make the all-important Nabipur drain a concrete structure following which storm water will not overflow into the city as has been happening for the past several years.

The drain was constructed in 1960. After making its way from Gurdaspur, it finally flows into the Kiran Saiki nullah in Amritsar district.

Sixty-three years after it was built, the drain had become infamous for flooding several areas, including some posh ones, in Gurdaspur city. Several delegations of residents had met senior AAP leader and Raman Bahl, Chairman, Punjab Health Systems Corporation (PHSC), to apprise him of the problems they faced during the rainy season when the drain overflowed.

Sources reveal that the drain has been desilted on many occasions, but problems persisted. In the run-up to the 2024 General Elections, Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann held a rally at Hanuman Chowk and during the course of his speech he asked Raman Bahl what were the main problems the city was encountering. Bahl, in turn, informed the CM that if the Nabipur drain was given a concrete shape, the main problem of the city would be solved. The CM promised to look into the matter.

The state government has now kept its word by releasing Rs 5.70 crore to convert the drain into a concrete structure. Tenders have been called and work would be completed by March 31 this year.

Raman Bahl said, “Now, there will be no soil erosion. Excess rainwater will be collected for reuse and the chances of floods will minimise, effectively channelling water away from the residential areas. A long-lasting and durable drainage system will be provided to the people of Gurdaspur. This venture has the potential to change the face of the city.”

The drain is considered to be the lifeline of the city. An Irrigation Department official said, “Concrete pillars will be constructed after every 20 feet. Soil erosion will be prevented in a big way.”

“The entire 3.5 km stretch of the drain which criss-crosses the city will be converted into a concrete structure,” he said.