Karnal MC Chief inspects drains, sets deadline for waterlogging prevention

As the monsoon approaches, Karnal Municipal Commissioner Dr Vaishali Sharma has taken proactive steps to ensure the city is fully prepared to prevent waterlogging and drainage-related issues. On Friday, she conducted a thorough inspection of key drainage systems including the Karna Canal — earlier known as Mughal Canal — Drain No. 1 and several adjoining areas, accompanied by officials from the engineering wing of the Municipal Corporation.

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Her inspection began from the augmentation canal, covering the critical stretches around Sector 4 and 5 and the Heritage Lawn culvert. Expressing satisfaction with the cleaning work already carried out, Dr Sharma nevertheless stressed the importance of completing all sanitation efforts by the June 15 deadline. She was particularly focused on ensuring that no part of the drainage system was left unattended before the onset of the rainy season.

At Drain No. 1, where the Irrigation Department is currently undertaking lining work to reinforce the embankments, she instructed the engineers to remove excess soil alongside the construction process to ensure a smooth water flow. The Commissioner then proceeded to inspect all three phases of the Karna Canal drain. The first phase spans from the Mela Ram School market to the temporary vegetable market culvert. The second extends from the vegetable market to the old Meerut Road culvert, and the third runs from the Meerut Road culvert to National Highway 44. She confirmed that cleaning had been completed across all three phases.

She pointed out that regular maintenance is essential to ensure efficient drainage, especially during periods of heavy rainfall. The Commissioner also highlighted that the initial segment near Mela Ram School falls under the jurisdiction of the Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP), which is currently overseeing its maintenance.

In addition to the inspection of the drains, Dr Sharma issued strict instructions for the cleaning of major city drains, rainwater harvesting systems, and ponds to be completed without delay. She directed officials to test all motors at disposal pump sites and ensure they are in working condition to handle sudden surges in rainwater. Areas in the city known for waterlogging were given special attention, with orders to make proper drainage arrangements in place well before the first rains.

While reviewing the ongoing construction work on the Karna Canal market road, Dr Sharma assessed the quality and pace of the work. Executive Engineer Priyanka Saini informed her that nearly half of the road has been completed, and barricades have been placed to restrict vehicular movement in the construction zone. The Commissioner set a deadline of June 30 for the project’s completion, underlining that the newly constructed road would benefit shopkeepers in the Karna Commercial Complex and help in maintaining smooth traffic flow.

Dr Sharma further directed engineers to carry out random inspections to monitor construction quality and instructed junior engineers to conduct daily site visits. She made it clear that no compromise on quality would be tolerated under any circumstances.

Through her detailed inspection and timely directives, Dr Vaishali Sharma reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring Karnal is well-prepared to face the monsoon season efficiently and without disruption.