Battered by monsoon, Chandigarh roads make for risky commute

The Municipal Corporation’s tall claims notwithstanding, residents have been left to face the brunt of damaged roads and waterlogging across the city. Cave-ins, potholes and waterlogged roads are a common sight.

An MC official attributed the frequent cave-ins to damaged storm water and sewer pipelines laid underground.

Notably, the pipelines are 50 to 60 years old and often fail to bear the pressure of rainwater flooding them. It results in severe damage to roads. A major portion of the road collapsed in Sectors 37, 38 (West) and 28 after the rain on Sunday. While the MC has started repair work, the ditch formed after the cave-in has paralysed traffic in the nearby areas.

The road at the fruit and vegetable market in Sector 26 too is in extremely poor shape. Waterlogging, even inside the market, causes massive inconvenience to the visitors.

Manimajra and Daria are some of the worst-affected areas when it comes to the conditions of roads. Joginder Singh, a resident of Manimajra, said the roads are riddled with potholes that have not been repaired for extended periods.

The MC recently launched road repairs from Sector 15 after funds were approved by the Commissioner.

Panel takes notice of waterlogging

The Punjab State and Chandigarh Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognisance of waterlogging outside the railway station, seeking a report from the civic body’s Chief Engineer.

“It has been brought to the notice of this Commission that entrance to the Railway Station, UT, Chandigarh, is in bad condition. Waterlogging can be seen everywhere and it is extremely difficult to enter the railway station without entering into the pool of water first. The Commission takes suo motu cognisance of the matter and calls for a report from the Chief Engineer, Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh, to submit his report,” the order read.

The Commission, comprising chairperson Justice Sant Parkash and member Justice Gurbir Singh, has directed the official to submit the report at least a week prior to the next date of hearing, which will be held on August 22. A copy of the order, along with a copy of photographs, has also been sent to the Municipal Commissioner.

Chandigarh