Rain boon for farmers, bane of residents, commuters

The rain has come as a blessing for farmers but because of poor road conditions and sewerage issue, it has become a nightmare for commuters. While the agricultural community is celebrating the much-needed showers that are ideal for paddy cultivation, residents are grappling with severe waterlogging and a poor sewerage infrastructure.

According to official data, Jalandhar received 64.4 mm of rainfall this June — more than 23.7 mm recorded during the same period last year. This spike has cheered farmers who rely heavily on monsoon rain to nourish the water-intensive paddy crop.

“Paddy needs a lot of water to grow and this year’s early and abundant rainfall has created the perfect conditions,” said Subeg Singh, a farmer from a Jalandhar village.

Streets across Jalandhar have been filled with rainwater due to poor drainage and an problematic sewerage system. Areas like Lamma Pind, Basti Sheikh, Damoria Pul, etc, have witnessed water accumulated on roads and streets, making daily commuting a challenge, besides health and sanitation concerns.

“It’s the same story every year,” lamented Deepa Sharma, a teacher said.

“As soon as the rain begins, roads turn rivers. There’s no proper drainage and the water takes hours to recede," Shipra, a bank professional, said.

People from low-lying areas often complaint of water accumulation outside their homes and sometimes even entering their houses.

The authorities claim that efforts are being made to de-silt the drains and improve infrastructure, but people argue that the measures are too little and too late. Residents call for a long-term, sustainable solution to waterlogging situation.

Jalandhar