Heavy rain leaves city inundated, traffic snarls hassle commuters
A spell of heavy rain early Monday morning caused traffic congestion, extensive waterlogging and widespread inconvenience to commuters. It was probably the first downpour of the season that left several roads submerged.
Key areas, including Guru Nanak Pura, Chugitti Chowk, a stretch near BMC Chowk, Lamma Pind Chowk, Damoria Pull, among others were among the worst affected. The road outside the District Administration Complex looked like a lake, making it difficult for vehicles to pass through.
Commuters heading for government offices expressed concern over the situation, questioning how other parts of the city might be coping if even key administrative areas were inaccessible. “If the main government offices are this difficult to reach, one can only imagine the condition in other areas,” said a local resident.
A visitor to the Sewa Kendra added, “This area sees heavy footfall. People coming on foot, bicycles, or two-wheelers are struggling to enter the premises due to the waterlogging.”
Motorists and pedestrians alike struggled to navigate the waterlogged streets, as the city’s sewerage systems failed to cope with the sudden downpour. Long queues of vehicles were reported on major roads, with traffic moving at a snail’s pace during the morning rush.
“I left home early to take my son from his school. Teaching school became a task as there was so much rush. I ended up stuck in traffic and then reached the school," a parent said.
Residents raised concerns about poor infrastructure and lackadaisical attitude of the authorities. They said these were recurring problems every monsoon. Several shopkeepers in low-lying areas reported water seeping into their establishments, causing problems.
The civic authorities have said teams are working to clear the clogged drains and restore normalcy. However, with more rain forecast in the coming days, citizens are bracing for continued disruption unless immediate preventive measures are taken.
Mayor Vaneet Dhir and Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Gautam Jain, today conducted an on-site inspection of sewerage choked areas at Damoria Pull and Old Railway Road. The visit was carried out to assess the ground situation and ensure immediate redressal of public grievances regarding sewer overflow and drainage issues.
During the inspection, the Commissioner directed the officials concerned to take prompt action for cleaning and de-choking of the sewer lines and instructed the team to ensure long-term measures for smooth sewage discharge, especially during the monsoon season.
Jalandhar