Waterlogging throws normal life out of gear in city

Tribune News Service

Patiala, September 24

The city witnessed acute waterlogging as it rained continuously throughout Sunday night till Monday evening. Along with daily life, business in the city was affected as shops remained closed and people remained indoors.

Internal areas of the city including, Chandani Chowk and Sheran Wala Gate, was under knee-deep water. A sidewall of Chandigarh-Bathinda National Highway, near Dakala village, collapsed while a roof of a house in the city was also damaged.

The area including Arna Barna Chowk, Bharat Nagar, Ragho Majra, Guru Nanak Nagar, Sewak Colony and area near 21 No. railway crossing was inundated with rainwater. Rainwater also accumulated in the Model Town area.

Harbans Theatre lane was submerged till waist-deep water. People panicked due to continuous downpour though the administration time and again assured that the situation in the city was under control.

The city today recorded 154.8 mm rainfall today. The Meteorological Department has recorded 252.6 mm rainfall in last three days.

A house in the Moran Wali Gali collapsed at around 10.30 am. The owner, Vijay Kumar Sharma, said he was inside the house along with his family when its front side collapsed. “Luckily, the backside of the house remained intact and we managed to come out unhurt,” he added.

Business in the city was affected due to the incessant rainfall. Water entered shops in the areas, including Ragho Majra, Anardana Chowk and Lehal. Most shops in the areas, including Chehal Road, Books Market and Arna Barna Chowk, remained closed for the day.

Water also entered the waterworks areas in villages, including Shambhu Kalan, Faridpur Jattan, Salempur Sekhan, Lachru Kalan and others. Officials of the Water and Sanitation Department said, “Mixing of rainwater with groundwater can lead to contamination of drinking water and spread diseases. It can also cause leakage in supply pipes.”

“We are trying to ensure that any damage to water supply lines can be averted,” they added.