Former minister of state Aseem Goel, accompanied by district administration officials, conducted a joint inspection of waterlogged areas in Ambala City on Saturday following recent rains. Goel directed officials to accelerate ongoing anti-waterlogging measures and formulate new projects to prevent future flooding.
Key Directives for Drainage Improvement
Goel instructed the expansion of the Ambala Drain to facilitate smoother rainwater drainage. He specifically directed NHAI officials to improve cleaning and maintenance of drains along the highway, particularly in Baldev Nagar and Gita Nagari areas. Noting delays in NHAI's work, Goel announced a joint meeting chaired by the Deputy Commissioner to address shortcomings.
Officials were also ordered to prepare a plan for a stormwater disposal system near the highway close to Kakru. In Devi Nagar, where garbage obstructed rainwater flow, Goel ordered a clean-up operation. Similar instructions were issued for the Manmohan Nagar culvert area. He emphasized that dumping garbage into drains would not be tolerated, and action would be taken against violators.
IIT Roorkee's Comprehensive Plan
Speaking to mediapersons, Goel revealed that IIT Roorkee has prepared a comprehensive drainage plan involving seven departments: Irrigation, Public Health Engineering, PWD, Municipal Corporation, HSVP, and Revenue. A joint meeting with IIT Roorkee representatives and department officials is scheduled for Thursday to expedite work. Goel assured residents that once implemented, the project will permanently resolve waterlogging in Ambala City.
Existing Infrastructure Upgrades
Goel noted that the Public Health Engineering Department has already constructed stormwater disposal systems near Dashmesh Market and the Sector 10 Vigilance Office. Additionally, the capacity of stormwater systems near Indrapuri and Sectors 9 and 10 has been increased to ensure faster drainage.
Deputy Commissioner Ajay Singh Tomer, Municipal Corporation Commissioner Virender Sehrawat, Mayor Akshita Saini, SDM City Darshan Kumar, and other officials were present during the inspection.
