Interlocking tiles behind waterlogging ?

Ravneet Singh 

Tribune News Service

Patiala, July 21

Laying of interlocking tiles without proper planning has become one of the reasons for waterlogging in the city. 

The tiles have been laid by ignoring road spreadsheet which ensures timely drainage of rainwater. 

Residents alleged that interlocking tiles shift and become unstable with a passage of time as the authorities concerned hardly care to follow proper procedure.

The Patiala Municipal Corporation (MC) has extensively used interlocking tiles in constructing the internal roads. The tiles have been used on the footpaths and over drains.

Recently, Bhupindra Road was given a facelift where interlocking tiles were used to cover 1-lakh sq ft parking space. Almost all parts of the road leading from the Chief Minister’s residence to Kheri Gujran village have been covered with tiles. 

According to experts, paver blocks should be used where drainage system is up to the mark. “Internal area of Patiala city lacks proper drainage system. Using interlocking tiles on roads here is fruitless,” said the MC official on condition of anonymity.

Nipun, who resides near Government Mohindra College said, “The MC has laid interlocking tiles everywhere. These tiles do not allow water to flow through them. Drains remain choked with garbage, silt and other discarded material. Thus purpose of laying tiles gets defeated as water gets accumulated.”

Another resident said, “At many places, sub-standard interlocking tiles are used. Tiles lack requisite thickness and their bases are also not strong. As a result, they crack and sink.”

Municipal Corporation Senior Deputy Mayor Yoginder Singh Yogi said, “Use of tiles is better than bitumen. At the same time they should be installed by following proper procedure. We make sure that the ISI mark tiles are used everywhere.”