ZIRAKPUR, May 29 — Punjab Local Government Minister Ravjot Singh conducted an unannounced visit to Baltana in Zirakpur on Thursday morning, reviewing the persistent flooding issues linked to the Sukhna Choe and listening to grievances raised by residents.
Inspecting the Baltana bridge — a crucial link between Baltana and Panchkula — Singh was accompanied by local MLA Kuljit Singh Randhawa and Municipal Council officials. He observed extensive dumping of garbage, plastic, cow dung, and even broken furniture into the rivulet. The accumulated waste has obstructed the flow of water, causing regular flooding during monsoons.
“Every year this area gets flooded in monsoon. The police post, nearby MC park and crematorium are inundated because the choe is blocked by debris,” said Swaranjit Kaur, a resident of Baltana. “This has made life difficult for locals.”
Responding to concerns, Singh directed MC officials to issue notices to those found dumping waste in the choe and on shamlat land. “It is our endeavour to meet people, hear their problems and find a solution,” the minister said. “As we all know, the area faces problems in the rainy season, so I, along with local officials, am trying to take preventive steps.”
Locals stressed the importance of the Baltana bridge, describing it as the only major road for daily commuters, school buses, and traders traveling between Baltana and Panchkula.
While the UT administration has initiated annual cleaning efforts upstream in Chandigarh, the Punjab Drainage-cum-Mining and Geology Department has not yet begun de-silting or clearing operations in the Baltana stretch of the seasonal rivulet. Weed growth, silt deposits, and years of encroachment along the banks continue to choke the waterway.
In a step toward long-term relief, the Punjab government began work on May 14 on a new 100-meter high-level bridge to replace the existing causeway at Baltana. However, construction is expected to take at least a year.
The Sukhna Choe carries stormwater overflow from Sukhna Lake through Kishangarh, Daria, and Makhanmajra, entering Baltana before flowing to Bhankharpur and eventually merging into the Ghaggar River.
