Minister reviews working of upgraded drainage system in Patiala

Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh today conducted an inspection of the Model Town Drain in Patiala and issued important directions aimed at resolving traffic congestion in the area.

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Instructing the departments concerned to make necessary arrangements, Singh called for ensuring the smooth movement of two-wheelers and light vehicles along the drain stretch from Tiwana Chowk on Bhadson Road to Monday Sabji Mandi in Deep and Vikas Nagar.

To ensure proper functioning of the drainage system, he directed officials to thoroughly clean the rainwater chambers and install protective grilles around them. He also appealed to dairy owners to refrain from dumping cow dung and waste into the drain, warning that such actions could clog the system and damage infrastructure developed at a cost of Rs 25.6 crore.

Highlighting the benefits of the initiative, the minister noted that the Model Town Drain was covered nearly two years ago through a Rs 25.6 crore investment, significantly enhancing the area’s infrastructure. Opening this stretch for light vehicular traffic is expected to ease the long-standing congestion at Tiwana Chowk, especially during peak hours, caused by traffic from numerous colonies and nearby villages such as Seouna using Bhadson Road.

He stressed that while the primary function of the drain is to carry rainwater, improper waste disposal by a few individuals threatens its efficiency. Cleaning a clogged, covered drain would be an extremely challenging and costly task.

Urging local residents to contribute to the upkeep of the area, the Health Minister encouraged the formation of neighborhood societies to maintain the newly developed parks and civic amenities along the drain. He emphasized that with public cooperation, this part of rural Patiala can be transformed into a model for cleanliness and sustainable development.