Underground pipeline project launched

PATIALA:To clear excessive waste water from streets and houses in Ward No.48, the Municipal Corporation (MC) with grants received from the office of Chief Minister, Captain Amarinder Singh, has initiated a pilot project to lay underground drainage pipes, which will replace open drains.

A worker lays an underground pipeline for draining waste water at Khalsa Mohalla in Patiala. Tribune photo: Rajesh Sachar

Tribune News Service
Patiala, October 18

To clear excessive waste water from streets and houses in Ward No. 48, the Municipal Corporation (MC) with grants received from the office of Chief Minister, Captain Amarinder Singh, has initiated a pilot project to lay underground drainage pipes, which will replace open drains.

While the MC is already fixing interlocking tiles in streets of the area, officials concerned have plans to cover open drains after laying underground water pipes.

Till now, the MC has received two grants of Rs 25 lakh each for the project. Meanwhile, the pilot project has been initiated in one street of the Khalsa Mohalla.

As per civic body officials, the project has been launched as there is no stormwater drain in the area, which leads to accumulation of rainwater during the rainy season.

Officials are constructing small pits in front of houses, which will help store garbage, including leftover items from kitchens, washrooms and rooftops, which usually flow into drains. Each pit is two-feet deep and 1.5 feet wide. These pits are being covered with cemented lids that will allow rainwater to flow into the underground pipeline system.

“We have launched this pilot project to keep the area clean in rainy and other days. Open drains are being covered. Enough room has been left for laying eight-inch-wide pipe, which will drain water and other discarded items that fall into drains,” said Yoginder Singh Yogi, Senior Deputy Mayor, Municipal Corporation, on Wednesday.

“Discarded garbage will collect in pits through which the water will flow easily. Excessive garbage from streets will also not fall into drains. Pits will be regularly cleaned by the sanitation staff,” he added.

“The project has become fully functional in one street. It will be replicated in other lanes too. Local residents have started planting saplings in earthen pots outside their houses. Women of the area are adopting one earthen pot each. This will ensure greenery and cleanliness in the area,” he said.