No solution in sight as waterlogging menace continues to haunt city

Though Ludhiana has got the tag of ‘smart city’, it has failed to find a solution to the waterlogging menace that troubles city residents every monsoon. From old city areas to posh localities, the problem persists everywhere. The city gets inundated even after a short spell of rainfall. Since it lacks alternative arrangements for rainwater drainage, waterlogging occurs every year. The existing sewer system is unable to take the load of extra rainwater which eventually flows into the Buddha Nullah. Separate stormwater drains are available only at a few places in the city, as a result, several roads get inundated every year during the rainy season, giving a difficult time to the people. Even the newly constructed underpasses in the city get filled with rainwater.

The AAP government has also passed its half tenure but the problem remains intact. New projects are coming up, underpasses and flyovers are being constructed but nobody seems to be paying attention to the menace. The newly constructed underpass at South City, Pakhowal Road, and near Lodhi Club are filled with water even after a light rain. A rainwater sewer was installed on Chandigarh Road but it has failed to produce desired results and the area is flooded with water after every rainfall.

The elevated road project on the Ferozepur road is also said to be having various shortcomings and as a result, the district administration also recently inspected the same. Rainwater recharge wells have been made under the elevated road but these are filled with garbage. There are over 30 recharge wells but none is working. Instead of falling in the wells, the rainwater is falling outside, on the road, causing inconvenience to commuters and also leading to waterlogging on the road.

A small spell of rain results in trouble for motorists passing under the elevated road as water spills on them from a height of around 15 m.

OfficialSpeak

“I have taken up the matter with the MC and the National Highways Authority of India. The NHAI has sent me compliance reports for drain works in certain areas. The corporation’s report is awaited. However, the civic body is working on a permanent solution for chronic areas. I have also taken up the matter of traffic management and some progress should be made soon on that front as well. — Sakshi Sawhney, DC

“We need a separate stormwater sewer to solve the issue of waterlogging. The city has grown by leaps and bounds over the years and the existing system is not able to take the load. We need to plan things from a new perspective.” —Sandeep Rishi, MC Commissioner

“Not only Ludhiana but also a majority of the Indian cities are suffering due to accumulation of water on roads after rain. The main reason is that either existing underground sewer lines are of less capacity or there is a negligible non-solid surface on roadsides even around trees. — Sanjay Goel, technical expert, Ludhiana Smart City

MLAs’ take

“The entire problem lies in the Buddha Nullah. Since the sewer water flows into the nullah, it overflows during rain. The industry is also discharging its waste into the tributary. The problem is serious but there is nothing that cannot be solved. We need to work with dedication and most importantly, systematically to solve the problem. I recently dismantled the foundation stone of the Buddha Dariya rejuvenation project

as it has failed to yield desired results.” — Gurpreet Gogi, Ludhiana West MLA

“Stormwater sewers should be laid in the entire city while at present, these are available only at a few places and their capacity is also less. New colonies, which are being built, should have a stormwater sewer system. The city has turned into a concrete jungle, which is also resulting in waterlogging. Population of Ludhiana has also increased in the past years but the sewerage system remains the same”.

— Madan Lal Bagga, Ludhiana North MLA

Public opinion

“New colonies are coming up but the sewer system remains old. The capacity is increasing but the system remains the same. Separate sewer treatment plants should be set up for every colony. We need to replan things as we are still working according to plans that were made 50 years ago”.

— Badish Jindal, bizman

“The problem of waterlogging has been increasing as the green cover is decreasing. The entire city is made of concrete and interlocking tiles have been installed even around trees. Besides, the duration of rain has decreased but the intensity has increased, which leads to accumulation of water on roads shortly after rainfall.”

— Dr Jaswinder Brar, Scientist, PAU

“New roads, underpasses and flyovers are being constructed but we need to maintain quality. Concrete roads can be built in Focal Point areas. Stress should be laid on quality of construction material and work as many times we see roads develop cracks and potholes after brief spells of rainfall.”

Ranjodh Singh, Businessman