With the monsoon season approaching, the Municipal Corporation (MC) of Ludhiana has accelerated the cleaning and desilting of the Buddha Nullah, extending operations to the Chandan Nagar, Haibowal, and Madhopuri areas. Officials confirmed that adequate machinery and staff have been deployed for the task, with poclain machines being used to remove silt and waste from the watercourse.
Desilting to Enhance Capacity and Prevent Flooding
The primary objective of the desilting work is to enhance the nullah's capacity, ensuring that residents of low-lying areas and those living near the watercourse do not face inconvenience during heavy rains. The MC aims to mitigate the risk of overflow and subsequent flooding of residential zones.
Residents, however, remain wary of a repeat of last year's situation, when rainwater carried silt and waste into their homes. Parkash Kaur, a local resident, expressed her concerns: "Whenever it rains heavily, the nullah overflows and polluted water enters our houses. It becomes difficult to live in the area as foul smell engulfs the neighbourhood."
Residents Call for Prompt Waste Removal
Another resident from a nearby area noted that while cleaning is underway, it is crucial that the waste removed from the nullah is quickly lifted and disposed of, so it does not accumulate on the banks and cause further problems. The MC has assured that sewer lines across the city are being cleaned using super-suction machines, and low-lying areas have been identified for priority attention.
MC Deploys Super-Suction Machines for Sewer Cleaning
The civic body's efforts are part of a broader pre-monsoon preparedness plan. By deploying super-suction machines for sewer cleaning and identifying vulnerable low-lying areas, the MC hopes to minimize the impact of monsoon rains. The cleaning of Buddha Nullah is a key component of this strategy, as the watercourse runs through several densely populated neighborhoods.
Officials emphasized that the desilting work is being closely monitored to ensure timely completion before the monsoon sets in fully. The MC has urged residents to cooperate by not dumping garbage into the nullah, which exacerbates blockages and pollution.
