Open House: What needs to be done to resolve the problem of waterlogging during monsoon in Ludhiana?

Upgrading existing drainage system

To address Ludhiana's ongoing waterlogging issues, the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation Ludhiana (MCL) must act quickly and sustainably. The city's natural drainage systems, such as those from Talab bazaar, Akalgarh market and Moti Nagar to Gaughat, railway yard to civil hospital to Gaughat, and PAU to Panj Peer road to Buddha Dariya, have been converted into sewers, severely affecting stormwater flow. MCL should prioritise the construction of a dedicated stormwater sewer system to reduce waterlogging and improve urban drainage. Prominent waterlogging hotspots such as Millar Ganj road, Transport Nagar, Grand Walk Mall, Sherpur Chowk, Chandigarh Road Police Colony and Model Town main road frequently cause major traffic jams. Proper maintenance, implementation of a water harvesting policy in residential areas, upgrading existing drainage and storm sewer planning will all help to reduce these issues. By implementing a modern stormwater management system and restoring natural drainage channels, Ludhiana can significantly reduce the risk of waterlogging, improving road conditions and reducing traffic disruptions.

Rahul Verma

STORMWATER SEWERS NEEDED: 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

QUESTION

The cases of dengue and swine flu are on the rise in Ludhiana and elsewhere. With no check on the breeding of mosquitoes and flies, the public health continues to be at risk. What should be done to check the spread of vector-borne and viral diseases?

Suggestions in not more than 200 words can be sent to ludhianadesk@tribunemail.com by Thursday (Sept 19)

Poses threat to property, health

Waterlogging threatens Ludhiana with each spell of rain and persists even after brief precipitation. Unfortunately, every downpour overwhelms the drainage system, causing water to stagnate on the streets and making life difficult for city residents. Besides disrupting daily life, waterlogging can cause property damage, health risks and transportation issues. One of the main causes of waterlogging in Ludhiana is insufficient drainage infrastructure, which cannot handle the volume of rainwater encountered during heavy rains. Furthermore, litter, leaves and other debris clog the system, making it difficult for water to flow properly. Another factor contributing to waterlogging is the widespread use of impervious surfaces such as asphalt and concrete, which reduces rainwater absorption into the soil. To effectively address waterlogging and blockages, drainage infrastructure must be upgraded, which includes making alternative stormwater drainage arrangements and regularly desilting existing drainage lines. Creating green spaces, such as parks, can also help to absorb excess rainwater and reduce flooding. Residents’ involvement is critical in improving drainage systems by ensuring that their surroundings remain clean. Finally, addressing the waterlogging issue will necessitate a combination of infrastructure improvements, long-term planning, and community engagement.

Novin Christopher

Don’t dump waste into drains

Water logging is a constant problem during rainstorms. Waterlogging issues may arise as a result of improper dumping, which can clog the drainage system and be harmful to our property. To address the issue of waterlogging, we should take some basic steps. We should not throw dirt, filth, or other materials on roads, as they can clog or choke the drainage system. Corporations should repair broken pipes. Proper design and sloping should be considered when laying pipelines. The government should impose a fine on those who throw waste on roads during rainstorms. Water pipes should be laid down using a pre-planning system. The government should impose a fine on those who throw waste on roads during rainstorms. Proper advertising, training and education should be provided to corporate employees, students and the general public. A proper sewerage should exist. If a problem arises before the deadline, the contractor should be held responsible. There should be slopes with proper drainage holes on both sides of the road.

Dr Mohd Saleem Farooqui

Comprehensive flood mgmt plans needed

Several measures can be taken to address the persistent waterlogging problem in urban areas. To begin, the drainage system must be improved, which includes upgrading and expanding the drainage infrastructure to handle heavy rainfall. This includes regular maintenance and cleaning of existing drains. Second, flood management planning is critical. This includes creating and implementing comprehensive flood management plans that map flood-prone areas and establish early warning systems. Third, educate residents on proper waste disposal to avoid drainage system blockages. Fourth, ensure that roads and other infrastructure are designed and maintained to handle water efficiently. Finally, improve emergency response systems to assist residents during and after heavy rains. These measures can help to reduce the impact of heavy rains and improve the city’s overall resilience to waterlogging.

Parmeet Kaur

Identify potential drainage routes

Recently, a brief spell of rain caused a flood-like situation in the Ludhiana municipal area, particularly the old city. This type of waterlogging occurs year after year. Tall claims fall flat when the monsoon comes. People are still outraged by municipal authorities’ inadequate and half-hearted preparations to deal with waterlogging. These columns focus on the problem of waterlogging in Ludhiana during the most recent brief spell of rain this time around. The causes of this problem are numerous, necessitating a multifaceted strategy. To address this issue, authorities must first conduct a quality audit of the entire city, particularly in areas prone to waterlogging; engineers should identify potential drainage routes, create drainage passages and clean the drains on a regular basis. The municipal authorities should provide alternative methods for pumping extra water into drains and develop lakes in and around the city to store rainwater. This will help replenish the water table, which is critical at this time. People should stop polluting and clogging drains with plastic waste and instead separate dry and wet waste properly. Municipal authorities should collect garbage door-to-door on a daily basis, following the Chandigarh model. This can also be very effective here. Finally, all stakeholders should work collaboratively and enthusiastically. All of these measures have the potential to alleviate the waterlogging problem in Ludhiana.

Sukhdev Sharma

Form team to monitor sewerage

A rainstorm disrupted the entire city, causing waterlogging in the roads and streets. Drivers and pedestrians face significant challenges when this happens. It occurs annually during the monsoon. The state governments are changing, but the waterlogging in the streets and roads persists. No state government could resolve this civic issue. It is necessary to set aside time to work together. Local civic bodies and state governments should take action to address the civic issue. Preplanning is essential for any project; we are all aware that waterlogging on streets and roads is caused by a faulty sewerage system. The pipes are small in size; when pressure is applied to them, they break and block the path, allowing water to accumulate and cause waterlogging. Furthermore, the city’s MCs should form a team to monitor sewerage systems, ensuring that pipes and recharge wells are checked before filling garbage and breaking pipes. If this occurs, local officials can be directed to clear the garbage and replace the pipes.

Sucha Singh Sagar

Adopt multifaceted approach

To address the perennial civic issue of waterlogging in Indian cities, a multifaceted approach is required. First, improving drainage infrastructure is critical. This includes expanding and maintaining stormwater drains to handle heavy rains. Regular cleaning and desilting of existing drains can help prevent blockages. Second, better urban planning and land use are required. Making sure that new developments have adequate drainage systems and maintaining green spaces can help absorb rainwater and reduce runoff. Rainwater harvesting systems can also reduce pressure on drainage systems. Third, effective waste management is critical to preventing drain clogs. Public awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement of waste disposal regulations can help to reduce litter. Finally, using technology to monitor drainage systems and weather patterns in real-time can help to improve rainfall response and water level management. These measures, when combined with effective maintenance and community involvement, can significantly reduce waterlogging and improve overall resilience to heavy rains.

Khushi Sood

Clean clogged drains, install new ones

The civic body’s claims of being ‘monsoon prepared’ fell flat after a few hours of rain a few days ago, when roads turned into lakes and water flowed into houses and shops. The downpour caused widespread flooding, leaving commuters and residents to fend for themselves. This occurs every time it rains, and the authorities appear to be asleep while residents continue to suffer. Many vehicles became stuck in deep water, and several cars broke down as water entered their engines. The administration should take every precaution to avoid a flood-like situation in the district. Open manholes and caved-in roads can lead to accidents; they should be repaired on a regular basis, particularly before the monsoon. Clean clogged drains and install new drains in all vulnerable areas to ensure proper water drainage. Raising plants above ground prevents excess water from directly contacting them, improving drainage and protecting plants from flooding and waterlogging. Install maximum rain harvesting systems to store rainwater from roofs in tanks, reducing stormwater runoff that can cause flooding and erosion. The collected water can be used for irrigation, toilet flushing, laundry, and other purposes. Super-suction machines should be deployed throughout the city. Clear your gutters and downspouts to direct water away from your home and prevent flooding and foundation damage. The MC Commissioner should discipline underperforming officials. People should question their local MLA and councillor about this issue, and hold them accountable if a flood-like situation arises. The flood control room should be kept open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to address public complaints.

RS Sembhi

Educate public on safe driving in rains

This is an issue that we have all encountered in our daily lives. It can cause a variety of issues. For this, the existing drainage system must be reviewed and any necessary repairs or modifications must be made. Clean the drains on a regular basis. Drainage systems should be adequate in size and easy to clean. Drains should be designed, built, and maintained so that wastewater exits the building quickly without fouling, depositing solids, or clogging. Ensure that road drainage systems, such as gutters, storm drains, and culverts, are well-maintained and debris-free to allow for efficient water runoff. Regularly inspect and maintain road surfaces to prevent and address problems such as potholes or uneven surfaces that can trap water. Implement road design enhancements such as proper grading, camber (a slight curve in the road), and the use of permeable materials to improve water flow and absorption. Educate the public on safe driving during and after heavy rains, including avoiding flooded areas. Implementing these measures can help manage and mitigate water accumulation on roads after rain, thereby improving road safety and usability.

Sehaj Mittal

Replace all faulty drainage pipes

During the monsoon, residents of our city face significant challenges due to inadequate road levelling and faulty drainage systems. Even moderate rainfall frequently causes knee-deep water accumulation, which severely disrupts daily life in many areas. To address this recurring issue, the first step should be to thoroughly inspect and replace all faulty underground drainage pipes. These systems must be modernised to ensure proper water flow and avoid blockages.

Kirandeep Kaur