Rain belies MC’s monsoon-ready claim

Mohit Khanna

Patiala, July 17

Four hours of rain today left the city in a state of complete deluge, belying the tall claims of monsoon-preparedness made by the Municipal Corporation.

Several areas, including Tripuri, Ratan Nagar, Anardana Chowk, Chandni Chowk, Arna Barna Chowk, Urban Estate Phase II, Model Town, Chhoti Baradari, Old Bus Stand, Phulkian Enclave and Lahal Colony, witnessed severe waterlogging, revealing the inadequacies of the city’s drainage system. In some areas, rainwater entered houses and residents were seen using wipers and buckets to drain it out.

Commuters, particularly two-wheeler riders and pedestrians, faced a harrowing time as they made their way through flooded streets.

The waterlogged roads caused significant disruptions, with many vehicles breaking down, leading to snarl-ups. Pedestrians struggled to find dry paths and those on two-wheelers risked their safety while negotiating waterlogged roads.

The situation was exacerbated by the mixing of sewage with rainwater at various locations. The contaminated water posed health risks and further highlighted the city’s poor infrastructure.

The water level began to recede in the afternoon and the situation turned normal by the evening.

Atul Nayar said, “There has to be a permanent solution to the problem of waterlogging. Each year, we face the same issue.”

Sunil Kumar, a resident of Tripuri, said due to waterlogging, he could not go to work today. He added that as the rainwater entered his house, he, along with other members of his family, had to shift the furniture to the first floor.