Brief spell of rain leaves city areas waterlogged

Tribune News Service

Patiala, July 13

As monsoon is becoming active after a lull, heavy rains lashed in Patiala on Friday, resulting in widespread waterlogging. Once again, rainfall exposed the unpreparedness of the Municipal Corporation. 

The downpour seems to be a waking call for the MC. In no time after it started raining, the residents were seen guarding their houses against overflowing drain water. Nabha Gate, Model Town, Factory Area, Chhoti Baradari, Bus Stand, Guru Nanak Nagar, Raghumajra Colony, Khanda Chowk, PRTC Bus Stand and Gurbax Colony faced severe waterlogging problems when the city received rainfall, on Friday. As per the Indian Metrological Department, at least 19.7mm of rainfall has been recorded until 2 PM. 

Areas of Charanbagh, Sheranwala Gate, Khalsa Mohalla, Raghumajra and a number of other low lying areas, including slums, are flood prone. These areas need immediate attention of the civic body.

While the authorities have said the funds had been sanctioned and the work was going on. The rivulets and the drains will be cleaned soon.

Heavy rain brought life in Patiala to a halt in the morning. Several areas in the city witnessed massive traffic jams at Fountain roundabout, near Khanda Chowk, and near the bus stand. However, the situation improved in the evening. 

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning and said heavy rains were very likely in isolated places across the state, including Patiala. The IMD said that the rainfall is expected to continue for another day or two.

Ankur Mahendru, Joint Commissioner Municipal Corporation, said, “About 12-13 km of the city sewerage has been cleaned with super suction machines. The situation has improved a lot. In the coming weeks, the situation will get better.