Continuous rain leaves several areas waterlogged in city

Ludhiana has been drenched by continuous rain over the past 24 hours, recording 79.4 mm of rainfall, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning of more downpour in coming days.

It brings the total rainfall for August so far to 170 mm, already surpassing previous years figures — 160.6 mm in 2024, 79.6 mm in 2023 and 53.4 mm in 2022.

The downpour, while offering relief from heat, has disrupted daily life across the city. Several schools shifted to online mode, citing waterlogged roads and safety concerns for students.

“We didn’t want children to wade through flooded streets,” said principal of a city-based school in Sarabha Nagar.

“Online classes are a temporary solution till conditions improve,” she said.

Continuous rainfall exposed the city’s fragile drainage infrastructure. Commuters and residents struggled to navigate flooded streets, clogged drains and overflowing sewers, with Chandigarh Road and Rahon Road remained among the worst affected.

Near BVM School on Chandigarh Road, sewer water spilled onto the main carriageway, creating hazardous conditions for schoolchildren and motorists.

“The stench was unbearable and vehicles were skidding. It’s unsafe,” said Ravinder Kaur, a resident.

Despite the installation of a storm drainage system in 2022, Chandigarh Road continues to flood even after moderate rainfall.

“The new system was supposed to fix the same,” said Tirlochan Singh, a resident. “But the old sewer lines are still clogged and overloaded. Rainwater has nowhere to go.”

On Rahon Road, MC workers were seen clearing blocked drains. “It happens every time it rains. Our complaints go unheard,” said Ritu from the Rahon Road area.

Farmers, meanwhile, are facing a different challenge. Experts from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) have issued an urgent advisory, asking cultivators to prevent water stagnation in fields, especially in paddy-growing areas.

“Standing water can damage root systems and increase the risk of fungal infections,” said Dr MS Bhullar, Director of Extension Education at the PAU.

“Farmers must ensure proper drainage and avoid letting water accumulate for over 24 hours,” he said.

Gurdip Singh, Chief Agriculture Officer, said they were carrying out a survey on Monday to make assessment if there had been any loss to the crop in the district.

Despite the weather, some residents welcomed the change. Manoj Kumar, a local shopkeeper, said: “It’s been raining non-stop but the air feels cleaner and cooler. We hope it doesn’t flood low-lying areas.”

Others were less fortunate.

Sukhdev Singh, a commuter from Doraha, said: “I was stuck for over an hour near Chandigarh Road. The water was knee-deep in places. It’s difficult to move around but we’re used to it now.”

The authorities have urged caution and advised residents to stay updated with weather alerts. With more rain expected, the city braces for another wet week.