Sirsa's newly laid streets face severe damage post first rain

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In various areas such as Ajay Vihar, Chattargarh Patti, Preet Nagar, and parts of GTM Colony, new streets are being built using interlock tiles. However, the first rain revealed serious issues like waterlogging, sunken bricks, and uneven surfaces. In Preet Nagar's Gali No 14, a tractor carrying soil sank into the street, causing a massive pit, approximately 10 feet deep and 13 feet wide. The driver used an excavator to pull the tractor out, but the damage had been done, leaving residents concerned about the state of affairs.

Residents highlighted that the contractor used more sand than stone while constructing the streets. This improper use of materials has led to several points where the bricks have sunk, causing the streets to become uneven and unsafe.

Residents accused contractor, MC of negligence

In Preet Nagar's Gali No 14, a tractor carrying soil sank into the street, causing a massive 10X13 feet pit

In Ajay Vihar, water was being directed toward empty plots rather than the sewer lines.

The interlock road leading to the Civil Hospital which was built recently has been poorly levelled, causing water to collect in the middle of the road.

On Begu Road, a gas pipeline chamber, (see pic) sank into the ground after the rain

Residents say they had already raised concerns with local authorities about the poor quality of material used.

They alleged that the contractor used more sand than stone while constructing the streets

Ajay Vihar residents, including Gurdev Singh and Somveer, pointed out that the street construction was completed just five days ago, but they had already raised concerns with local authorities about the poor quality. They claimed that the contractor had used soil instead of stones for levelling streets. As a result, much of the soil got washed away with the first rain, leading to further damage.

In the case of Ajay Vihar, where streets are being built at a cost of Rs 2.8 crore, the problem of waterlogging is even more concerning. Residents claim the drainage system was poorly planned, with water being directed toward empty plots rather than sewer lines. This resulted in water accumulation on the streets and posed a risk of flooding during heavy rainfall, the residents claimed.

The interlock road leading to the Civil Hospital, which was also built recently, has been poorly levelled, causing water to collect in the middle of the road. There is no proper drainage system in place, and the water has nowhere to go, leading to waterlogging. This has made the road difficult to use, especially during and after a spell of rain. The residents fear that this would lead to long-term inconvenience and potential damage to the road in the future.

Similar complaints are coming from other parts of the city, such as Chattargarh Patti, GTM Colony and Begu Road. On Begu Road, a gas pipeline chamber, which had been constructed as part of the ongoing PNG gas line installation, sank into the ground after the rain. While no major accident occurred, this incident raised alarm among residents. They have complained to the agency responsible for the pipeline installation.

The situation has caused growing frustration among residents, who have accused the contractor and the Municipal Council of negligence. They have demanded immediate repairs and proper quality checks to prevent further damage.

Meanwhile, District Municipal Commissioner Surendra Beniwal said that he would ask the concerned officials for a report on the matter. Once the report was received, accountability would be fixed and further action taken, he assured.