Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh Sidhu and Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Aggarwal on Tuesday reviewed the city's drainage network, a day after The Tribune reported that unchecked weed growth in Badi Nadi raised fears of blockages leading to flooding in low-lying areas. Officials claimed that desilting and cleaning works were progressing on a “war footing”.
Inspection of Key Drains and Channels
Earlier in the day, Dr Balbir Singh, accompanied by the DC, Municipal Corporation officials, and officers from other departments, inspected Badi Nadi, Chhoti Nadi, the main drainage system, and rainwater channels. The minister stated that the Punjab Government was committed to providing a permanent solution to Patiala’s recurring waterlogging problem. He emphasised that drain cleaning, capacity enhancement, and improvement works were being carried out in a planned manner, and directed officials to ensure quality, speed, and timely completion of all ongoing projects.
Deputy Commissioner's Assurance
Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Aggarwal said the district administration was closely monitoring drainage works and prioritising vulnerable locations before the onset of the monsoons. However, during a ground survey, The Tribune found several major drains still clogged with dense weeds and wild vegetation. Stretches of Badi Nadi, Jacob Drain, and other key stormwater channels remain partially blocked due to weeds, putting the city’s monsoon preparedness under scrutiny.
Risk of Waterlogging in Low-Lying Areas
At several locations — including Badi Nadi near Jujhar Nagar and Jacob Drain near the MC office in Sullar village — thick vegetation has significantly reduced the water-carrying capacity of the drains, increasing the risk of waterlogging in the event of heavy rainfall. Residents observed that substantial cleaning work remains unfinished even as the monsoon approaches. Rashpal Singh, a three-time former councillor, expressed apprehension that inadequate cleaning could lead to flooding if the city experiences heavy rains in the coming days. “The effectiveness of the ongoing drainage-cleaning drive is likely to face its first major test during the rains,” he said.
Additional Measures Ordered
MC Additional Commissioner Simarpreet Kaur, along with civic body officials, also reviewed the cleaning of drains, sewer lines, and stormwater channels in various areas of the city. She directed the departments concerned to deploy extra manpower and machinery in areas where desilting work was still pending. She also instructed officials to ensure that the quality of work was not compromised at any stage and that progress was monitored on a daily basis.
