Chandigarh MP Tewari seeks girdawari for villages along Patiala Ki Rao

Chandigarh MP Manish Tewari has written to the Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria regarding the damage caused by the Patiala Ki Rao rivulet in the villages of Dadumajra and Dhanas recently.

Tewari has demanded girdawari (assessment of crop losses) and a permanent solution to the problem.

The MP said he revisited both Dadumajra and Dhanas villages, which were affected by flooding caused by the swollen Patiala Ki Rao on September 6. Floodwaters have left heavy silt and polluted water on agricultural land in Dadumajra. During his visit, he studied the potential of developing the banks of the rivulet into a well-planned and aesthetically maintained area.

Highlighting that a permanent solution to the problem of flooding is possible, Tewari stressed that a proper flow of Patiala Ki Rao from Nayagaon up to the Dadumajra bridge and further downstream must be ensured. The removal of weeds, shrubs, debris and other solid waste can widen its course and restore natural flow.

He suggested enhancing the water-carrying capacity of the rivulet by carrying out desilting from Nayagaon to the point where it exits Chandigarh. This would need removal of silt, strengthening of embankments and fortification of the slopes.

He proposed the laying of tracks for walkers with decorative lighting along both banks.

The height of the bridge connecting Dhanas village with Toga village in Punjab should be raised so that farmers can access their lands when the rivulet is in spate during the rainy season, said the MP in his letter to the Governor.

He flagged another urgent issue of swamp caused by leachate seeping from the Dadumajra garbage dump, which poses health risks to Dhanas residents. He sought immediate action for its removal.