Cut off twice in a month, residents of 5 Mohali villages call for infra upgrade

For the second time in a month, the administration has had to make temporary arrangements to restore road connectivity in five villages.

A swollen Jayanti Ki Rao cut off Jayanti Majri, Gurha, Kasauli, Karoundhewala and Baghindi Chandigarh. Hit by flood fury virtually every year, the frustrated residents have again called for a permanent solution to the problem.

“We have learnt to make temporary arrangements. The authorities should instead focus on improving infra to provide a permanent solution,” said a village resident.

Between broken roads and incomplete bridges, locals decry the failure of successive governments to provide basic infrastructure in the area.

This year too, the scenario has unfolded as per the set script. After the seasonal rivulets washed away roads and causeways, the administration officials promised a temporary solution. When the demand for a permanent solution was made, they passed the buck onto the “higher-ups”.

Deputy Commissioner Komal Mittal said, “For a permanent solution, estimates for the construction of three bridges over the Jayanti Ki Rao rivulet have been submitted to the government, and work will commence upon approval.”

The residents, however, were not convinced. After all, former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, MP Manish Tewari, cabinet ministers Jagmohan Kang, and current MP Malwinder Singh Kang have all come and said the same thing here year after year — and yet nothing changes here.

Kharar MLA Anmol Gagan Mann was the latest to promise five new bridges in the area, but the plan remains on paper.

Residents of Karondhewala, Baghindi, Gurha, Tanda, Tandi, Kasauli and Jayanti Majri had boycotted the June 2024 elections to protest against political parties’ apathy.

Adding to the woes, mobile connectivity in the area also leaves a lot to be desired. Residents said there are only a few years where they can catch a signal. It makes stepping out risky, especially at night.

Shiromani Akali Dal leader and Zila Parishad member Chaudhary Shyam Lal Majrian questioned, “What good is this government if it cannot provide basic infrastructure like roads and phone connectivity?”

The DC explained the difficulty in carrying out repairs amid inclement weather. Till the time roads and bridges are not ready, residents have been advised to stay away from drains.

With the added threat of water-borne diseases also looming, residents have been advised to boil drinking water and take other necessary precautions till the time the situation improves.