Rainwater harvesting steps needed at micro, macro levels

Open House: What steps should be taken to tackle the water-logging menace in the city?

Fix responsibility of officers concerned

Water-logging is a big problem not only in Punjab, but throughout the nation. Heavy rainfall leads to water-logging and this problem often comes in the monsoon season. The government should take serious view on water-logging and should not tolerate any type of negligence in this regard. The government should fix responsibility of the officers concerned and strong action should be taken against those found negligent in performing their duties efficiently and carefully with respect to water-logging issues. There are high chances of road accidents due to water-logging and human life is vital. But the sad part is that the government does not pay heed to this perennial problem.

Saahil Hans

‘Carrot and stick’ policy must

During rainy season, Jalandhar residents have to bear the brunt of water-logging almost in every corner of the city. Though before the onslaught of every monsoon, the municipal authorities claim to clean sewers with budgeted expenses, yet its impact is never visible and the public is normally left to manage on their own. The problem is prevalent and exaggerated due to many reasons. Firstly, poor maintenance and lack of proper cleaning of drains and secondly, tardy and faulty garbage disposal system, leaving heaps of garbage being swayed by the rain water into the drainage through open outlets and thus leading to clogged of pipes. Thirdly, though plastic bags, which is a major culprit in clogging the drainage, is banned, it is never implemented by the administration. Fourthly, steps for harvesting rainwater are required at both micro and macro levels. Last but not the least, discipline among sanitation employees and the public in general regarding cleanliness must be ensured through ‘carrot and stick’ policy.

Jagdish Chander

Use latest technology to solve menace

It is no more a hidden fact that water-logging of our roads has taken a toll on residents. Since decades, it has been testing the nerves of the locals during the monsoon season. The tall claims of the authorities to boasting the infrastructure get drawn deeply in the water-logged streets and roads on the onset of the monsoon. I remember when I was a kid, I would wade through a long water-logged street with friends to reach the school. After a period of thirty years, situation remains the same. The authorities concerned must rise to the occasion and show grit to sort out the perennial issue which toppled the life of all those families whose bread and butter winner have fallen prey to the potholes and opens manholes, thanks to the flooded streets and roads. The need of the hour is to make use of latest technology to solve the menace. The basic amenities need to be provided to residents to make them feel inclusive, safe and secure. It is my belief that with young leaders making their mark in politics and bureaucracy, our next generation will definitely rise to a new dawn and such issues would have become things of the years gone by.

Simranjeet Singh Saini

Civic body must pay heed to menace

Water-logging is a perennial problem in most parts of India, more so in Jalandhar as far as I can remember. I used to live in Adarsh Nagar, Jalandhar, till 1983 and even then during monsoon a heavy shower would flood the streets leading to water-logging. The Kapurthala adda near Adarsh Nagar remained under ankle-deep water for many hours after heavy rain, so was the scene at other chowks. European and American cities also experienced some water-logging and flooding but only when there is a hurricane or typhoon as occurred in Houston, Texas, in August 2005 because of hurricane Katrina. But our beleaguered cities experience such problems even after some heavy showers. The problems are with our road structures and drainage systems. The roads are not properly laid and carpeted resulting in attrition and dilapidated condition resulting in many potholes causing accidents and even death. One wonders if it’s potholes in the road or road in the potholes. The drainage system is in the worst condition. There is no desilting and clearing of the sewage pipes regularly resulting in overflowing of the sewer through manholes. The municipalities and corporations don’t pay much attention to such people friendly works. The leaders are only interested in politicking and elections to grab power by hook or by crook.The citizens also need to do their duties by properly disposing off the trash from their houses and localities.

JS Wadhwa

Political will needed to deal with problem

Every year, heavy monsoon rains submerge almost all Punjab towns and cities under water, courtesy corrupt and apathetic attitude of civic body officials and local politicians. Water-logging is a common sight in Jalandhar that throws various localities, including even posh colonies, out of gear. It leads to snarling traffic jams, damaged footpaths, pot-holed roads, freak accidents, and increased risk of vector-borne diseases. Life virtually comes to a standstill and residents often undergo untold miseries and sufferings. This bleak scenario invariably forfeits Municipal Corporation’s tall claims of being fully prepared and equipped to deal with the situation effectively. Despite several complaints to the higher-ups, nothing concrete has been done to address their grievances. The main reasons for the present morass are: rapid and faulty urban planning, encroachment on natural drainage channels, dumping of non-biodegradable wastes and construction debris on roads and pavements, choked or unsilted drains and sewerages, dug up roads and open chambers, dwindling green spaces that soak water, etc. As Jalandhar has been included in Smart Cities Mission, the responsibilities of the MCJ have increased manifold. Strong political will and improved urban governance can solve this decade-old problem. Proper utilisation of massively infused funds and new technology will help revamp the existing drainage infrastructure. The authorities should facilitate storage of rain water in tanks at the rooftops, build storage or holding ponds at judiciously selected places and grow more trees. Garbage disposal at non-designated sites should be declared a cognizable offence. Proper coordination between different government departments and public cooperation will ensure disaster preparedness, transparency and accountability.

D S Kang

Authorities need to take a stand

Water-logging is a perennial problem in Jalandhar. Citizens have to suffer one way or the other due to clogged roads. It also puts the life of commuters in danger. Risks of several diseases such as malaria, jaundice, cholera also looms large due to this issue. The roads are rendered unmotorable due to potholes. Our city should manage issues like these successfully in order to maintain a global image. Paying taxes would be of no use if the city continues to battle such civic issues.

Shailja Thakur

QUESTION

Even as residents are increasingly taking to cycling, there is a demand from the residents to create lanes for the non-motorised vehicles or special cycling zones. What do you think is the best way out for the MC to encourage cycling?

Suggestions in not more than 200 words can be sent to jalandhardesk@tribunemail.com by Thursday (July 30).