First Heavy Monsoon Spell Wreaks Havoc in Palampur
The first heavy monsoon downpour in Palampur on Thursday triggered widespread waterlogging, submerging roads and inundating residential houses, exposing glaring gaps in the town's monsoon preparedness. Overflowing roadside drains, clogged with silt, plastic waste, and debris, failed to carry rainwater, while blocked natural water channels forced water onto roads and into residential localities.
Worst-Hit Areas and Resident Complaints
The situation was particularly severe in areas where roads had been dug up by the Irrigation and Public Health Department for laying sewerage lines, making access to homes difficult. Residents reported that rainwater entered several houses, damaging household belongings and causing widespread inconvenience. They blamed the Municipal Corporation for failing to undertake timely pre-monsoon desilting and cleaning of drains and natural water channels despite repeated warnings ahead of the rainy season. Many also alleged that repeated calls to senior civic officials went unanswered as affected families struggled on their own.
Municipal Commissioner Responds
Responding to the criticism, Municipal Commissioner Netra Meti said emergency teams were deployed and a special drive had been launched to clean drains across the town. She stated that municipal engineers were personally supervising the operation and most drains were expected to be cleared by evening.
