Super Suction Machines to Clean Road Gullies in Panchkula
To ensure proper drainage ahead of the monsoon season, the Panchkula municipal corporation has, for the first time, engaged two super suction machines to clean road gullies. The decision follows complaints that only gully covers and outer areas were being cleaned, leaving gullies blocked and causing waterlogging every monsoon.
Municipal commissioner Vinay Kumar informed the House on Tuesday that there are approximately 55,000 road gullies under the civic body's jurisdiction. "We have already started cleaning road gullies using an outsourced super suction machine in Sector 15. We are in the process of getting one more in a few days," he added.
Also known as road gully suckers, these machines are powerful truck- or trailer-mounted vacuum systems designed to clear debris, silt, and sludge from road gullies and storm drains. They combine heavy-duty vacuum suction with high-pressure water jetting to completely clear blockages.
Additionally, a survey is being conducted of all road gullies and drains to identify any issues. At some locations, pipelines are disjoined or lack proper connections for drainage. All such points will be rectified.
Councillor Harendra Malik noted that only 20% of cleaning work under the land was being done, and many areas lack drainage. He demanded that low-lying areas be prioritized for machine cleaning.
The MC chief recently set a June 15 deadline for cleaning road gullies and drains. Civic officials stated that work is progressing on a war footing, with most gullies already cleaned, and all will be cleared before the monsoon.
Every year, many roads, marketplaces, and residential areas in Panchkula face waterlogging due to blocked or unclean gullies or poor drainage. In some cases, water even enters residential premises.
Lack of coordination among departments is another contributing factor, highlighting the need for joint monsoon preparedness across the city.
Panchkula Metropolitan Development Authority (PMDA) officials said they already use similar machines in their jurisdiction, focusing on road gullies on sector dividing roads. The Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) handles gullies in its sectors.
