Inundated Patiala Ki Rao spells misery

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 21

Residents of the areas near Patiala Ki Rao, a seasonal rivulet, in Khuda Lahora had a harrowing time when water from the swollen nallah mixed with mud entered their houses.

Area residents said muck caused by flood waters entered their houses in the wee hours today. The entire area was filled with the sludge.

“At around 2 am, we noticed foul smell inside our houses. We were surprised to find muck around. We went outside only to find the roads of the area full of sludge. Later, we came to know about the overflowing rivulet and started cleaning up the area on our own,” said Nandish Kapoor. 

The residents claimed that they called up the police helpline to inform about the incident but were only given assurances of help. 

“The area residents went into a tizzy. When the police personnel visited the spot, they expressed their helplessness. They asked us to either settle it out on our own or wait till the morning. In the night, we started shifting our essential belongings to safe places,” said Pragyan Kapur, a resident of the area. 

Meanwhile, the process of cleaning the area began today following a series of protest by the residents.

“It is an alarming situation for the area residents and as well as the authorities concerned. The local NDRF unit failed to react on time. In the morning, we started cleaning the area on our own. Later, the authorities concerned sent JCB machines and other cleaning equipment. The heavy rain in the hills was possibly the reason for the situation here. If it is the reason, the Administration must take it seriously lest a tragedy takes place,” said Saurabh Joshi, the area councillor.