Mohali: With the monsoon season approaching, concerns over waterlogging have resurfaced in Mohali after civic authorities found that nearly 90% of the city’s road gullies and storm water drains are clogged with mud, dry leaves and other debris.
Mayor Sarabjit Singh Samana on Tuesday said a large-scale cleanliness and desilting drive would be launched shortly to ensure smooth flow of rainwater to prevent flooding during the rainy season.
The mayor, accompanied by municipal commissioner Sundeep Singh Garha and other senior civic officials, recently conducted an inspection of road gullies and storm water drainage points at several locations across the city. The inspection covered Airport Road, Kumbra light point, Sector 71-Phase VII light point, Phase III-V light point and Phase V.
Speaking during the inspection, Samana said, “We have reviewed development works and the condition of major thoroughfares in the city. During the inspection, it was found that several road gullies require immediate repairs and cleaning. Directions have been issued to the officials concerned to take prompt action. Efforts are being made to improve civic infrastructure and enhance the overall appearance of Mohali.”
He added that the officials had been instructed to expedite development works while ensuring quality standards. Directions were also issued for cleaning public areas, repairing damaged footpath paver tiles, rectifying sewer manholes and refurbishing divider railings.
Mayor Samana and municipal commissioner Garha further directed the officials to systematically remove horticultural waste from parks and green belts to maintain cleanliness and prevent drains from getting blocked.
However, former deputy mayor Kuljit Singh Bedi slammed the civic body for delay in cleaning road gullies before the onset of the monsoon.
“Once again, the municipal corporation has failed to carry out timely cleaning of road gullies. Nearly 90% of the gullies are blocked and the monsoon is around the corner. Every year, several parts of Mohali witness severe waterlogging, with rainwater entering homes and causing losses to residents, but no one seems concerned,” Bedi alleged.
Civic officials said projects worth several crores were currently underway in the city and efforts were being made to complete them on priority while ensuring proper maintenance of drainage infrastructure ahead of the monsoon.
