Overnight showers from Wednesday night through early Thursday brought much-needed relief to Jalandhar residents from oppressive heat and humidity, but also exposed the city's chronic drainage issues. Low-lying areas faced severe waterlogging, disrupting traffic and daily life.
Rainfall and Temperature Drop
The rain came amid concerns over an erratic monsoon after earlier forecasts failed to materialize. Temperatures, which had hovered between 36°C and 38°C with high humidity, dropped significantly. The maximum temperature settled around 34°C on Wednesday, while the minimum touched 24°C.
Although sunny conditions returned on Thursday morning, the Meteorological Department has forecast more thunderstorms and rain over the next two days. Temperatures are expected to remain between 36°C and 37°C from July 4.
Waterlogging Disrupts Life
For low-lying areas, the rain spelled misery. Areas including Lamma Pind Chowk, Prem Nagar, the 120-Foot Road, Domoria Bridge, and Kasturba Nagar in Jalandhar Cantonment remained waterlogged. Roads turned into quagmires, and motorists navigated through stagnant water.
Lamma Pind Chowk was among the worst affected, with a large stretch submerged, forcing two-wheeler riders to wade through waist-deep water. “This is a perennial problem for which no lasting solution has been found. Last year too, heavy rain caused extensive problems across the city. Just one night of rain has again forced residents to wade through dirty water. Where is the city’s storm-water drainage system?” asked resident Anushka Chauhan.
Kasturba Nagar Residents Raise Civic Concerns
Residents of Kasturba Nagar in Jalandhar Cantonment expressed concern over persistent drainage, sewerage, and water supply issues. The lane comprising house no. 69 to 80 was the worst hit, with recurring waterlogging and rainwater carrying garbage into the area.
They claimed that despite submitting a representation to the CEO of the Cantonment Board on May 4, no permanent solution has been found. After the recent rain, stagnant water reportedly entered nearby houses, raising hygiene and public health concerns. Residents also pointed out that a damaged boundary wall allows garbage from an adjoining public area to enter the locality, leading to waste accumulation, foul smell, mosquito breeding, and unhygienic conditions. They alleged that when they approached the Cantonment Board office, responsibility was shifted between departments.
