Chandigarh, Sept. 4 — Continuous rainfall has wreaked havoc across Chandigarh, damaging roads, flooding markets, and creating health hazards, residents said. The heavy downpour has deteriorated roads in nearly all sectors, with potholes and loose gravel posing serious risks to commuters and pedestrians.
In Bapudham Colony, Sector 26, roads were submerged on Wednesday due to severe waterlogging, making them impassable and allowing water to enter nearby homes. Roads around major city roundabouts have also been damaged, while the Sector 26 Fruit and Vegetable Market has been affected by flooding. A key road connecting Panjab University to Dhanas is partially submerged, and in Khuda Lahora, a road was eroded by water flow from a nearby rivulet.
Authorities have placed barricades on roads leading to the bridge at Bapudham and near the Golf Club due to hazardous potholes. A road from Sector 48C to Mohali has similarly developed multiple potholes. Meanwhile, the open-air theatre in Sector 48 has turned into a lake, with water levels reaching four to five feet, endangering residents and visitors.
Narinder Kumar, a resident of Sector 48C, said, “The Municipal Corporation has no way to drain the water. Workers came a few days ago but left without taking any action.” RK Verma, another resident, added, “Students from nearby areas have started swimming in the waterlogged open-air theatre. Without immediate drainage action, this could lead to a major tragedy.”
Concerns have also been raised over stagnant water on a vacant Forest Department plot in Sector 51A, adjacent to the MC petrol pump. Varun Chopra, a local resident, said the approximately three-foot-deep water has become a mosquito breeding ground, with green algae emitting a foul odour and overflowing into nearby Chandigarh Housing Board flats, increasing the risk of diseases like dengue.
Despite repeated complaints to the Forest Department, no action has been taken. Councillor Jasmanpreet Singh tried to assist by arranging pumps and generators, but the efforts were unsuccessful, Chopra said. He urged higher authorities to intervene to ensure the safety and wellbeing of residents.
The persistent waterlogging and damaged infrastructure have left residents frustrated, highlighting the urgent need for improved drainage and municipal response during the monsoon season.
