Showers trigger traffic jams

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, August 16

Heavy rain lashed the holy city, flooding several posh localities and other low-lying areas of the city on Friday afternoon. The rain that lasted for around one and half hours exposed the poor drainage system in the city. It led to overflowing of drains and sewerage lines at bus stand, Mall Road, MM Malvia Road, Majitha Road, Batala Road, Putalighar, GT Road, SSSS Chowk and several areas of the walled city.

All major sewer lines remain choked which led to accumulation of rainwater on roads and streets till late evening. Commuters, especially motorcyclists and pedestrians, had a tough time. Several vehicles took an abrupt halt on roads due to waterlogging and drivers had to push their vehicles aside to clear the way for other commuters. Even after the rain had stopped, traffic jams continued across the city. The rainwater also accumulated in parking lots.

Meanwhile, acting upon the forecast of the Meteorological Centre, Chandigarh, the state government issued an advisory to deputy commissioners to tackle the flooding after heavy rain. The advisory reads that the district may receive 7 to 12 centimetre rain during the next 72 hours. The DC has issued instructions to make arrangements to tackle the situation.