Waterlogging a serious health threat, say Amritsar residents

Waterlogging not only inconveniences locals, but also poses a health risk, with stagnant rainwater turning into a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

As intermittent monsoon showers continue to leave several roads and low-lying areas flooded, residents say the health risks and disruption caused by waterlogging are adding a hidden cost to the city’s recurring drainage problem.

Several parts of the city have reported water accumulation following heavy and intermittent rainfall over the past few days. While the water recedes from some stretches after pumping and natural drainage, stagnant pools remain in several low-lying areas near residential colonies, markets and roads.

Health experts say stagnant water provides an ideal breeding environment for mosquitoes, raising concerns over the spread of vector-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria during the monsoon season.

The problem becomes more serious when water remains accumulated for several days.

“People often focus only on traffic disruption and damage to roads during waterlogging, ignoring the health part. Stagnant water can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, while contact with contaminated water may also lead to skin infections,” said Dr Harkirat, who runs a private clinic.

Residents also point to the risk of water contamination in areas where overflowing sewage mixes with rainwater. Such conditions can increase the possibility of gastrointestinal infections and other water-borne illnesses, particularly among children and elderly people.

“After every spell of rain, we see water accumulating outside our houses. It remains there for days in some places. Apart from making it difficult to walk or drive, there is a fear of mosquitoes and infections,” said Balkaran Singh, a resident of Khandwala area.

“The administration asks residents to devote one day each week to ensure that they change water in coolers, pots and other items. The purpose is to check mosquito breeding. The administration too must do its part in checking dengue and malaria,” said another resident Harkanwal Singh Batth.

Residents have urged the civic authorities to ensure regular desilting of drains, remove blockages and improve the city’s storm-water drainage network. They also called for prompt removal of stagnant water and fogging or other mosquito-control measures in vulnerable areas.

With more rain expected during the monsoon, residents stated that tackling waterlogging should be treated not merely as a traffic and infrastructure issue, but as an important public health priority.