Commuters struggle on waterlogged roads

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, September 24

As the rain continued on third day in the city, highways and internal roads were again waterlogged on Monday. A number of vehicles broke down on these roads.

Flooding was also witnessed in many locations on the NH 1, Karabara Chowk, Jodhewal Basti, Samrala Chowk, Jalandhar Bypass, bridges near Tiger Safari and Dhandari. The situation was similar on Ferozepur Road (NH 95) near the BRS Nagar turn.

The storm water drainage along the highways have been lying choked for a long time as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has failed to pay any attention towards cleaning them.

Flooding was also witnessed at Old Court Chowk, New Kundanpuri, Hambran Road, Transport Nagar, near Clock Tower, Chaura Bazaar, Janakpuri, Ghumar Mandi, Dholewal and near Bhai Bala Chowk and various other parts of the city.

Besides, the residents of Dhandari Khurd, Giaspura and various other areas complained of overflowing sewage. The MC officials claimed that employees were put on duty to drain rainwater from streets.

Buddha Nullah swelling

A strong current was witnessed in the Buddha Nullah. However, the MC authorities claimed that the situation was under control. Superintending Engineer Rajinder Singh said they were keeping a vigil at the nullah as also all sewage treatment plants in the city. “The level of the nullah water has increased. According to the reports that came in till 7 pm, the situation was under control. The staff have been deployed on 24-hour duty,” he said. 

“The B&R wing has arranged for sand bags to strengthen the banks of the nullah,” he added. 

A Congress leader, Rakesh Lekhi, said: “The level of water in the Buddha Nullah is on the rise. There are chances of nullah overflowing as the cleaning of this drain was not done properly. The removed waste was collected on the banks. During the rain, the waste flowed back into the nullah.”