Fresh showers leave Zirakpur flooded

A brief spell of rain this morning left several housing societies waterlogged and roads inaccessible in the vicinity of the VIP Road.

Residents had to call for mobile water pumps to drain out rainwater. Savitry Heights, Springdale Society residents were occupied till late in the afternoon, overseeing the work. Frustrated, they expressed anger over the administration’s failure to resolve the waterlogging issue despite spending crores on drainage and sewage lines.

“The housing projects of former MLA too remain waterlogged in monsoon. The current MLA makes announcements and lays foundation stone but the situation remains the same year after year,” said Subhash Sharma, a local resident.

Meanwhile, Dera Bassi MLA Kuljit Singh Randhawa speaking in the Assembly expressed concern over the flood-like situation every year.

“Due to the immense water coming from Sukhna Lake, Panchkula and the mountains, the water level of rivers and drains increases, creating an atmosphere of fear among the city residents,” he said.

Sukhna’s rising level worries Baltana residents

With Sukhna Lake’s water level close to danger mark, Baltana and nearby residents alongside the choe have been on the edge for past one week.

Residents said the already-delayed cleaning of the choe was progressing at a slow pace. They noted that the Chandigarh side of the choe was cleaned a fortnight ago, but a lone earthmoving machine is deployed alongside the choe near the Baltana bridge.

With heavy rains for past two days, the cleaning work has been at a standstill.

Mohali DC Komal Mittal visited Zirakpur and Dera Bassi on July 4 and directed Officials to expedite storm sewer works ahead of monsoon.

“Drainage projects and the cleaning of the Sukhna Choe are crucial. It is imperative that the city is fully prepared to manage rainwater effectively,” she said.

Chandigarh