Allegations of irregularities and favouritism have surfaced over the cleaning and de-silting of the Patiala-ki-Rao rivulet in Mohali. Councillors claim that a work order worth Rs 4 crore was issued and execution initiated outside the Municipal Corporation (MC) limits, in violation of a House resolution.
House Resolution Violated
During the last MC House meeting, it was unanimously decided that any cleaning work on the Patiala-ki-Rao would be undertaken only after the rivulet was formally brought under MC limits. However, councillors alleged that the work was already allotted and commenced without the required notification, raising serious questions over procedural lapses.
Demand for Vigilance Inquiry
Former deputy mayor Manjit Singh Sethi strongly objected to the move, stating that the decision of the House was bypassed. "We demand a vigilance inquiry into how a work order worth Rs 4 crore was sanctioned when the area is yet to be notified within MC limits," he said. He added that the cleaning work has already started, which is a clear violation of the resolution passed by the House. MC commissioner Sundeep Singh was contacted for comments but did not respond.
Similar Issue in Balongi
Sethi also pointed out that cleaning of a garbage dump along the road in Balongi has started, and a similar issue arises there as the Balongi area is also yet to be notified within MC limits.
Background of Rivulet Cleaning
The controversy comes amid ongoing efforts in 2025 and 2026 to clean and de-silt key rivulets in the Mohali region, including Patiala-ki-Rao, Sukhna Choe, and N-Choe, aimed at preventing urban flooding during the monsoon. Patiala-ki-Rao originates behind the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGI) in Chandigarh and flows through Nayagaon in Mohali. Over the years, it has been heavily encroached on and frequently used as a dumping site, leading to severe choking of its channels with plastic waste and overgrown vegetation.
Previous Tenders and Delays
Officials noted that the Nayagaon Municipal Council has issued tenders for cleaning the rivulet multiple times, but actual execution has often been delayed due to poor participation from private contractors. With the monsoon approaching, the district administration has recently directed municipal bodies in Kharar and Nayagaon to complete cleaning of Patiala-ki-Rao, Sukhna Choe, N-Choe, and Siswan rivers within a tight timeframe, along with strengthening of embankments.
Recurring Flooding and Health Risks
Recurring blockages in Patiala-ki-Rao, N-Choe, and Lakhnour Choe have been a major cause of waterlogging in Mohali during the monsoon season. Additionally, untreated sewage continues to flow into the rivulet, and in some cases, the contaminated water is reportedly used for washing vegetables, posing a serious public health risk.
