How Sirsa’s drainage system failed 1st monsoon rain
The first heavy rainfall of the monsoon has turned Sirsa’s civic preparedness into a subject of serious concern. Despite the launch of multiple drainage projects and nearly Rs 80 crore reportedly spent since 2018, the city witnessed widespread waterlogging, road collapses and traffic hazards after Monday’s downpour. Vehicles, including cars and tractors, were seen stuck in unmarked pits at various locations where pipeline work remained incomplete. The rainfall exposed not just infrastructure gaps but also raised public questions over the quality of construction and effectiveness of spending. The incomplete connectivity and material-related issues were pointed out by residents and local observers. With frustration mounting, many residents are demanding accountability from officials and political representatives.
What were the major drainage projects undertaken in Sirsa since 2018?
In the past seven years, several drainage schemes have been rolled out in Sirsa to tackle urban flooding. In 2018–19, under the AMRUT 1.0 scheme, pipelines were laid from Bal Bhawan to Rangoi drain along Hisar Road, with a reported budget of Rs 9 crore. However, the locals claim the project suffered from poor implementation, resulting in repeated road subsidence and leakage. In 2021–22, during the term of municipal Chairperson Reena Sethi, Phase-I of the Stormwater Drainage Project was initiated with a budget of Rs 37 crore. It aimed at connecting the Auto Market to the Ghaggar River through underground pipelines. But according to the residents and civic observers, the execution fell short. Pipelines were allegedly not installed at key localities and many stretches were not linked to final discharge points. Concerns were also raised over the quality of pipe. While then Urban Local Bodies Minister Dr Kamal Gupta reportedly ordered an inquiry following complaints, no conclusive action is known to have been taken. So far, the Dabwali Road pipeline has burst five times, most recently on July 8. In February 2025, Phase-II of the project began, with another Rs 35 crore allocated. The residents allege that despite fresh funding, the same lapses are being repeated, and have accused various officials, contractors, and politicians of negligence and corruption.
Why do residents and observers believe the drainage projects failed?
Concerns raised by residents and experts point to major technical deficiencies in the execution. Several individuals claim that essential construction standards were not followed such as concrete bedding for pipes and proper soil compaction post excavation. Safety protocols like signage and barricades were also reportedly ignored, making roads hazardous during rains. According to complaints, the quality of pipes used in several areas was subpar, leading to repeated bursts, particularly along the Dabwali Road stretch. Additionally, in some zones, drainage pipelines were not connected to outflow channels, rendering sections ineffective. These recurring issues have led many residents to describe the projects as costly yet functionally inadequate.
What impact has this had on the city and its residents?
The rain earlier this week caused significant disruption across Sirsa. Markets, residential colonies and roads were submerged and normal movement was affected for hours. In areas like Surkhab Chowk, Parshuram Chowk, Janata Bhawan Road, ITI Road, and Rania Road, pits created by pipeline work filled with rainwater, trapping vehicles and making roads impassable. The residents recalled past incidents tied to drainage issues, including the electrocution of a student and a fatal road collapse that claimed the life of a young doctor. Many residents expressed a sense of betrayal, saying they were promised lasting infrastructure improvements that never materialised.
What are the corruption allegations and who is making them?
Allegations of financial mismanagement and deliberate cover-ups have been made by local activists, shopkeepers and the residents. RTI activist Inderjeet has accused municipal officials of destroying documents submitted under the Right to Information Act to conceal project flaws. During appeal hearings, it reportedly emerged that the RTI applications were tampered with by the then junior and municipal engineers. Meanwhile, individuals like Ravindra Kumar, a local shopkeeper on Dabwali Road, claim that the contractors were paid in full even before the pipelines passed basic performance tests. These developments have led some in the city to describe the drainage scheme as a “permanent problem” rather than a solution.
What does the administration say about the situation?
Municipal Council Chairman Veer Shanti Swaroop has acknowledged the infrastructure issues and stated that repair work was ongoing. He urged the residents to remain cautious, referring to a recent incident where a vehicle got stuck in a flooded stretch but was quickly rescued. He also mentioned that damaged areas were being refilled with soil and restoration work was being monitored. Municipal Council officials also denied all corruption charges, calling these baseless. They insisted the project was in the public domain and fully transparent. The design, they claimed, was developed by WAPCOS, a state approved agency, after months of surveys. “Wherever water has entered the newly laid pipelines, it’s a good sign as it helps settle the soil,” they argued. They also rejected concerns about flooding from the Ghaggar, stating its flow was naturally toward Ottu Lake, not the city. The officials admitted to some inconvenience during construction but said the project would be fully completed by November 2025, after which Sirsa would no longer face waterlogging issues.
Haryana Tribune