MC wakes up to monsoon woes

Heavy to moderate rainfall lashed Amritsar since 4 am on Wednesday, inundating several low-lying areas and creating waterlogging in various parts of the city. Areas like Heritage Street, MM Malviya Road, Bus Stand, Balata Road and other major streets experienced flooding, offering much-needed relief from the oppressive heat but also exposing gaps in the city’s drainage system.

In response, Municipal Commissioner Gulpreet Singh Aulakh chaired a review meeting with officials of the Municipal Corporation, L&T, PWD and traffic police to evaluate the city’s monsoon preparedness. He instructed zone-wise staff to ensure daily monitoring of roads and proper drainage, especially in rain-affected areas. Use of suction pumps and operational readiness of all de-watering equipment was emphasised.

MC Commissioner Aulakh took strong exception to L&T’s delay in repairing roads dug up under the Canal-Based Water Supply Scheme. He directed that a warning letter be issued to the company and instructed officials to impose penalties if repairs were not completed on time.

PWD officials informed that estimates for repairing roads falling under the municipal area had been prepared and would be implemented once approvals were granted. The traffic police assured full cooperation in removing illegal encroachments that obstruct road infrastructure.

The MC Commissioner acknowledged that visible improvements were seen due to ongoing efforts for the upkeep and beautification of major city roads. However, he warned that delays in post-project restoration, particularly by L&T, were worsening waterlogging during rain. He reiterated that negligence would not be tolerated and strict action, including financial penalties, would follow if timely compliance was not ensured.

Furthermore, he instructed the Estate Officer to work in coordination with traffic police to remove the remaining illegal encroachments from key roads. To maintain cleanliness in the city, both Health Officers were directed to conduct joint inspections of main roads and ensure thorough sanitation.