Nodal officers told to fill potholes on major roads within week

As the city prepares for the arrival of monsoon, residents are increasingly concerned about the deteriorating condition of roads. Numerous stretches, especially those near the Golden Temple and outer areas of the city, are riddled with potholes and lack proper drainage, turning into waterlogged hazards even after a light rainfall.

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Commuters are forced to wade through submerged roads, with potholes concealed beneath murky waters, increasing the risk of accidents.

However, in a meeting held recently, Municipal Commissioner Gulpreet Singh Aulakh announced decisive steps to address the issue. He directed nodal officers to fill all potholes on major roads within a week and remove piles of debris.

The meeting covered issues related to drainage, illegal encroachments, damaged footpaths, chambers and malfunctioning streetlights. To enhance efficiency, the Municipal Corporation has procured seven JCB machines and three tractors.

The MC Commissioner also announced inspections of key roads and instructed the Estate Department to clear illegal encroachments near Bhandari Bridge.

The Streetlight Department has been ordered to immediately replace faulty lights in major areas. Officials from multiple departments, including health and engineering, attended the meeting. Aulakh emphasised the need for collaboration with the PWD in upcoming meetings to ensure comprehensive road maintenance across the city.

The MC Commissioner reiterated the Municipal Corporation’s commitment to improving the city’s infrastructure, emphasising that these efforts are part of a broader initiative to enhance Amritsar’s overall aesthetics and functionality.

He stated that all departments must work in coordination and show accountability in executing their assigned duties. In addition to repair of potholes, special attention will be given to clearing drainage systems before the rains increase in intensity, to prevent further waterlogging.

The MC Commissioner assured residents that he would personally conduct surprise inspections to monitor progress and ensure timely completion of all tasks.