Waterlogging: ‘Shame’ old story again

Satinder Pal Singh

Zirakpur, July 18

Rainfall is supposed to bring relief for many, but not for residents of Zirakpur. It has been the same old story every year during the monsoon season. Residents wade through waterlogged streets and drain out water from shops and houses. It seems nothing will change for them.

A brief spell of heavy rain on Wednesday in Zirakpur spelled misery for town residents as most roads, low-lying areas, several markets and residential localities were inundated.

Water also entered shops located on the Baltana road and other areas in Zirakpur. Affected traders alleged that at some goods in their shops were damaged due to rainwater entering basements.

Inadequate capacity of sewer lines, lack of storm water drainage, coupled with failure of the Municipal Council (MC) to clean up road gullies and open drains to cope with the rainy season has wrought havoc on the city.

Residents rued that the Zirakpur civic authorities were left fumbling for words when asked why they did not take up a long-term plan to sort out the drainage issue once and for all.

“So far, the authorities have failed to find solution to waterlogging that has been persisting since decades. After every downpour in the town, one gets a clear picture of the state of affairs,” rued Arvinder, a shopkeeper.

Though sporadic traffic snarls were reported on Ambala-Zirakpur stretch, the worst affected was the 2 km-long stretch of road from Zirakpur traffic lights towards Patiala, where vehicles were stuck in long queues.

When contacted, Manvir Singh Gill, Executive Officer, Zirakpur MC said, “The civic body is taking all measures to reduce waterlogging. Teams of officials are on the job. They are taking every possible step and gearing up to improve the situation.”