Heavy Rain Exposes Ludhiana's Poor Monsoon Preparedness
The season's first heavy downpour on Friday night and Saturday morning exposed Ludhiana's inadequate monsoon preparedness. Several roads were waterlogged, newly dug stretches turned muddy, and an old wall collapsed in Lakkar Bazaar, narrowly missing passers-by. The incident occurred at Kesar Ganj Mandi, where an old wall and a temporary shed collapsed, damaging two parked two-wheelers and a rehri. Labourers working nearby and a newly married couple had crossed the spot moments earlier, averting a tragedy.
Senior Deputy Mayor Visits Collapse Site
Senior Deputy Mayor Rakesh Prashar visited the site after being informed about the incident. He appealed to owners of old and unsafe buildings to get them demolished before they become a threat during the rainy season. The collapsed structure was part of a plot where goods had been stored under temporary sheds.
Road Damage from Ongoing Utility Works
Rain also exposed the condition of roads dug up for underground utility works. Near the police station in Sarabha Nagar, a stretch excavated for laying water pipelines under the canal-based surface water supply project developed depressions after the rain. The road was closed to traffic as the surface had become unstable, and vehicle movement could have caused further damage. Similar conditions were reported from the Smart City Colony on Jassian Road, where water supply and sewer pipelines are being laid. Road restoration is pending, leaving several stretches uneven and muddy, making commuting difficult for two-wheeler riders and motorists.
Municipal Corporation Explains Delays
Municipal Corporation officials said road excavation was necessary for laying underground pipelines. They stated that roads could not be rebuilt immediately as the excavated soil requires proper compaction. Constructing roads before the ground settles could lead to further sinking and damage.
Waterlogging in Multiple Areas
Waterlogging was reported from several parts of the city, including Haibowal, Kali Sadak, Hambran Road, Shepur Chowk, Samrala Chowk, Chandigarh Road, Transport Nagar, Chander Nagar, Model Town, Model Town Extension, and Dhoka Mohalla. While water drained out from most locations by morning, areas such as Hambran Road and Sherpur remained affected for several hours before normal traffic resumed.
