Rain causes widespread waterlogging in Panchkula

Persistent waterlogging in various sectors of Panchkula after the recent rainfall has again exposed the city’s fragile drainage infrastructure and lack of civic preparedness.

From public parks to arterial roads, areas are submerged under stagnant rainwater, posing health risk to people, besides affecting normal life.

Nirjhar Vatika, a popular public park in Sector 5, has turned into a swamp-like area with walkways flooded and ground going soggy. The problem, residents say, recurs every monsoon, yet no long-term maintenance or drainage work has been undertaken by the municipal authorities. “It’s disheartening to see the same issue every year. Parts of the park remain unusable when it rains,” said a morning walker from Sector 5.

City’s Sector 20 has its own set of issues. The green belt behind Gopal Sweets and a nearby mango orchard have become breeding grounds for mosquitoes due to stagnant water. Despite repeated complaints, no steps have been taken to prevent waterlogging or control vector-borne risks.

The situation is just as dire on city roads. Tabletop speed breakers, meant to check vehicular speed, have instead blocked the natural flow of rainwater, resulting in flooding on key roads. In Sector 2, a retired Army officer, Maj Gen K Khorana, highlighted the issue on social media. Sharing an image of severe waterlogging near his residence, he wrote: “For three years, we’ve reported this to RWA, MC, HUDA – no one has acted.

Locals say simple engineering fixes—such as adding side drains or breaking the raised hump—could resolve the issue. Yet, administrative agencies appear indifferent.

With complaints mounting and residents losing patience, the city’s lack of urgency in addressing basic infrastructure failures remains a concern.