Ludhiana's Ambitious Water Project Under Fire as Leaks Plague Pakhowal Road
Public confidence in Ludhiana's high-profile 24x7 canal-based water supply project has plummeted to a new low following the emergence of fresh leakages along Pakhowal Road. These incidents have transformed bustling thoroughfares into hazardous, waterlogged zones, raising serious concerns among residents and commuters.
Recurring Infrastructure Failures Spark Outrage
The World Bank-funded initiative, which was designed to modernize the city's water infrastructure and address groundwater depletion, is now under intense scrutiny. Allegations of engineering quality lapses and insufficient official oversight have surfaced, with recent water bursts reported near high-traffic landmarks such as the Indoor Stadium opposite Bikaner Sweets and Deep Filling Station.
These leakages have resulted in the loss of thousands of liters of treated water and have severely compromised road surfaces. "Vehicles are getting stuck in the mud because the roads aren't being repaired properly after the pipes burst," expressed one frustrated resident. "It's a lapse in execution that is costing the public both money and safety."
A Pattern of Persistent Issues
This is not an isolated occurrence. Similar structural failures were recently documented in the Model Town area, indicating a broader problem. Despite a recent intervention by Mayor Inderjit Kaur, who imposed a 20-day deadline on officials to rectify technical snags, the issues continue unabated.
Civic activists have highlighted several core concerns, including:
- Allegations that contractors are applying temporary "band-aid" repairs instead of addressing underlying pressure or joint issues.
- Calls from residents for a comprehensive technical audit to investigate the quality of materials used in the project.
- Questions regarding whether the municipal corporation is enforcing penalty clauses against the contracted firms responsible for the installation.
Official Response and Systemic Challenges
Municipal Corporation Subdivisional Officer Jaideep Singh has assured the public that the latest leaks will be investigated. However, the recurring nature of the damage suggests a deeper systemic issue with the project's monitoring mechanism.
Initially hailed as a landmark solution to Ludhiana's groundwater depletion, the frequent infrastructure failures are now causing more daily disruption than the relief they promised. The project's credibility is at stake as residents demand accountability and sustainable fixes to prevent further public inconvenience and resource wastage.
