Monsoon woes: Damaged roads, waterlogging disrupt life in Chandigarh; residents demand action

The recent non-stop rainfall has caused significant disruption across Chandigarh's road network.

The condition of roads has deteriorated in nearly all sectors, posing serious risks to commuters. Heavy rain has also led to the formation of potholes on several roads. Loose gravel is creating hazardous conditions for drivers and pedestrians.

The intense water flow has damaged roads around all major roundabouts in the city. Waterlogging in market areas has resulted in the deterioration of parking facilities in many sectors.

In Bapudham Colony, Sector 26, roads were submerged due to severe waterlogging on Wednesday, rendering them impassable.

As streets were completely flooded, water entered homes. The conditions at the Sector 26 Fruit and Vegetable Market also deteriorated. A major road connecting Panjab University to Dhanas has been severely damaged, with large sections submerged under water.

In Khuda Lahora, a road has been badly damaged after water flow from a nearby rivulet eroded the earth beneath it on one side.

The police have set up barricades on roads leading to the bridge at Bapudham. Additionally, barricades have been placed near the Golf Club in Chandigarh due to severe potholes making the area hazardous. A road from Sector 48C to Mohali has also developed numerous potholes.

The authorities concerned have also failed to address the problem of waterlogging in several areas. The open-air theatre in Sector 48 has transformed into a lake, with surrounding areas submerged under knee-deep water following recent rainfall. Residents report that water levels have reached four to five feet, posing significant risks.

Narinder Kumar, a resident of Sector 48C, expressed frustration, stating that the Municipal Corporation has no way to drain the water. He said that municipal employees visited the area a few days ago but left without taking any action.

RK Verma, another resident of the area, said that students from nearby areas have started swimming in the waterlogged open-air theatre. He emphasised that without immediate drainage action, the situation could lead to a major tragedy.

Varun Chopra, a resident of Sector 51A, Chandigarh, has raised concerns about a vacant plot of Forest Department land adjacent to the MC petrol pump between Vikas Marg and the residential area. The land has become a stagnant water body — with approximately 3 feet deep water accumulated — creating a breeding ground for mosquitoes and posing significant health risks.

He reported that the water is covered with a thick layer of green algae, emitting a foul odour. Residents of the Category II Chandigarh Housing Board Flats in Sector 51A are suffering as the stagnant water is overflowing towards the residential area, increasing the risk of diseases like dengue.

Despite lodging multiple complaints with the Forest Department, no action has been taken. Chandigarh Municipal Corporation (MC) councillor Jasmanpreet Singh attempted to assist by arranging pumps and generators to lower the water level, but the efforts were unsuccessful. He also informed senior Forest Department officers, but they did not provide any assistance, Chopra said.

The residents are now requesting the intervention of higher authorities to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the community.