Heavy rain floods Phagwara roads, exposes poor infra

Torrential rain lashed Phagwara and surrounding towns since Monday night, paralysing daily life and exposing the grim reality of the region’s crumbling infrastructure.

With major roads waterlogged and several low-lying areas inundated, residents battled with knee-deep water, damaged roads, power outages, and increasing health concerns.

Several key roads, including the Phagwara-Banga road, Phagwara-Hoshiarpur road, Railway Road, Hadiabad Road, Hargobind Nagar road, were reported to be in disrepair, worsened further by the downpour.

These roads have reportedly not seen proper maintenance for nearly two years, resulting in frequent accidents and travel delays.

The rainwater not only flooded streets but also entered homes in areas like Gaushala Road, Hargobind Nagar, Kherra Road, Palahai Road, Shiv Puri, Onkar Nagar and New Model Town, leaving residents scrambling to drain out the accumulated water. Garbage heaps in vacant plots, now soaked in rain, have become breeding grounds for foul odours and potential health hazards. In some locations, such as the lane adjacent to the State Bank of India in Hargobind Nagar, dangerously leaning trees have added to public safety concerns.

The MC’s preparedness has come under scrutiny, with civic groups and residents questioning the effectiveness of monsoon management. Illegal encroachments near the Model Town resthouse have further obstructed water drainage, worsening the situation.

Advocate CR Gautam called for urgent corrective action, stating that the MC cannot encroach on public land in a manner that hampers basic civic functioning.

Phagwara Mayor Ram Pal Uppal assured residents that the administration is treating the matter with urgency. “We understand the difficulties people are facing and are committed to resolving the infrastructure and drainage issues. The rains have highlighted gaps we must now address head-on,” he said.

Municipal Corporation Phagwara Commissioner Dr Akshita Gupta also emphasized that necessary steps are already being taken.

“We have written to the PWD and the NHAI to begin immediate repairs on the affected roads. Coordination with state-level agencies is ongoing, and relief work is being prioritised in the worst-hit zones,” she stated.

Despite limited resources and persistent challenges, the local authorities have expressed a firm commitment to restoring normalcy and strengthening urban infrastructure.

Jalandhar