As the monsoon season approaches, nullahs and drains across various parts of Ludhiana remain clogged with garbage and filth. Huge quantities of trash, including plastic waste, are blocking the drains, raising concerns that even a single heavy rainfall could cause them to overflow, turning nearby areas into pools of water.
Drains Overflowing with Waste
Drains near Bhadaur House, Damoria Bridge, Jassian Road, Haibowal, and other areas are filled to the brim with garbage. The drain behind Bhadaur House, a major business hub for cloth traders from North India, emits a foul smell and overflows during rainfall. Sandeep Singh, a trader from Bhadaur House, said, "Bhadaur House is a major business hub of the city but it lacks basic infrastructure. Roads are broken and an open drain flows from the area. During monsoon, it becomes difficult to pass through the place."
The Municipal Corporation (MC) office is located just a few meters away from the drain, yet the condition remains pathetic, and no one seems bothered. Tarun Makhija, a resident of Haibowal, noted that every year the drain overflows during the rainy season, but authorities have taken no concrete steps to clean it. "Instead of cleaning it before the rainy season, it should be done on a regular basis," he said.
Impact on Daily Life
Tejinder Singh, a shopkeeper near Damoria Bridge, said that even after light showers, the area turns into a pool of water. A drain flows in the area, and during the rainy season, it overflows, causing all kinds of waste to float and emit a stinking smell. "It becomes difficult to pass through the road during monsoon," he said.
The open drain near Old Courts Road generally remains filled with garbage. Karan, a youngster who plays basketball nearby, said, "I come here to play basketball in a court amid foul smell due to the compactor site located nearby. Sometimes, garbage is also strewn around in the open."
MC Initiatives Under Mission Clean Punjab
With an aim to encourage citizen participation in improving sanitation under 'Mission Clean Punjab', Municipal Corporation (MC) Commissioner Ojasvi Alankar and Senior Deputy Mayor Rakesh Prashar interacted with residents near Durga Mata Mandir and other old city areas on Friday to gather feedback. Following the interaction, inspections were conducted in various old city areas, including Jagraon Bridge, Railway Station Road, Chaura Bazaar, near the MC's Zone A office, Gur Mandi, and Talab Bazaar.
The Talab Bazaar drain, which was also inspected by the MC chief and the Senior Deputy Mayor, moves through different parts of the city. Commissioner Ojasvi said that besides desilting the Buddha Dariya, the officials concerned have been directed to take steps in advance to ensure proper cleaning of internal drains.
