Sunday morning rain turns Z'pur-Patiala road into a river
2
Mohali: A spell of heavy rain on Sunday morning exposed the glaring inadequacies in Zirakpur's drainage infrastructure, as the Zirakpur-Patiala road was left waterlogged and nearly impassable for hours.
The flooding, which caused major traffic disruptions and left pedestrians struggling, has been attributed to unplanned construction and encroachments on natural drainage routes.
The downpour led to severe water accumulation on the busy road stretch, effectively turning parts of it into a temporary river. Commuters faced immense hardship as vehicles stalled in knee-deep water, and pedestrians were forced to wade through the flooded roadway.
While the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) had earlier installed large drainage pipes on both sides of the road — from Patiala Chowk to Gurdwara Nabha Sahib — to channel rainwater into a nearby natural stream, the effort has been undermined by unregulated construction activities.
Landowners in the area had sold their fields to private builders, who in turn erected concrete boundary walls that blocked the flow of water into the stream, leading to stagnation on the roads during rains.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Access all TV channels anywhere, anytime
Techno Mag
Learn More
Undo
"This is not the first time the area has flooded. The lack of proper drainage and unchecked construction on natural drains is the main reason. Despite previous complaints, no permanent solution has been implemented," said a local resident. Urban planners and environmentalists have long warned against building over natural water channels, but enforcement remains weak. Sunday's incident has once again triggered demands from residents for immediate government intervention.
"This situation is both avoidable and unacceptable," said another resident. "Authorities must act against encroachments on drains and plan a proper drainage system before the next rain brings the city to a standstill again." Civic authorities have been urged to conduct a detailed survey of the affected area, identify the obstructions to natural water flow, and demolish illegal walls or structures built over water channels.
With the monsoon season still underway, residents fear further disruptions if the matter is not urgently addressed. MSID:: 123077563 413 |
Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with
Friendship Day wishes
,
messages
and
quotes
!
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Kolkata monsoon alert: IMD predicts light to moderate showers over the coming week
If you are in Kolkata or are planning to travel to the city over the coming week, prepare yourself for rain. As per reports, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a rainfall alert for Kolkata. Expect light to moderate showers throughout the day. The rain is expected to bring relief from the intense humidity the city is experiencing at present. While the city enjoys a cooler climate, there is also the risk of potential waterlogging and traffic disruptions. As per the IMD, Kolkata will experience predominantly cloudy skies over the coming week, with scattered spells of light to moderate rainfall on most days. Expect heavy rain and thunderstorms in the middle of the week. Daytime temperatures are expected to range between 31 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius. Nighttime temperature is expected to be around 26 degrees Celsius to 27 degrees Celsius. The low-lying areas may see temporary waterlogging and traffic disruptions. Kolkata's monsoon season typically spans from June to September. The air is usually humid but occasional gusty winds bring relief as well. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Signs Of Heart Attack That Shouldn't Be Ignored (Take A Look) TheDaddest Undo If you are travelling to Kolkata this time of year, carry an umbrella or a poncho, and a dry bag for your essential items. For travels within the city or outside, make sure you start early to avoid traffic jams due to waterlogged roads. Places to visit near Kolkata this monsoon season Mandarmani Located approximately 180 km from Kolkata, Mandarmani is a serene beach destination along the Bay of Bengal. Mandarmani is less crowded during the monsoon, and offers dramatic views of the sea. Santiniketan Located just 160 km from Kolkata, Shantiniketan is perfect for a quick and quiet getaway. It takes 3-4 hours to reach Shantiniketan if you are driving. When in Shantiniketan, visit Visva-Bharati University, Tagore's Museum, and nearby tribal villages. Bishnupur Bishnupur is just 140 km away from Kolkata, and is an unmissable destination for culturally inclined travellers. Bishnupur is known for its terracotta temples like Shyam Rai and Madanmohan. Murshidabad The historical town of Murshidabad was once the capital of Bengal. The town has key attractions like Hazarduari Palace, Imambara, and Katra Mosque. Bhagirathi River adds to the town's charm.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Himachal: Heavy rain batters Kullu-Mandi, Rivers in spate; Chandigarh-Manali Highway blocked at multiple points
Mandi: Continuous heavy rainfall across Kullu and Mandi districts of Himachal Pradesh has thrown life out of gear. Several rivers are in full spate, causing widespread concern, while landslides and waterlogging have disrupted connectivity and daily life. The Chandigarh-Manali National Highway has been blocked at multiple locations due to falling boulders and mudslides, halting vehicular movement on both sides. Commuters are stranded, and authorities have issued advisories urging people to avoid non-essential travel. Productivity Tool Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide By Metla Sudha Sekhar View Program Finance Introduction to Technical Analysis & Candlestick Theory By Dinesh Nagpal View Program Finance Financial Literacy i e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By CA Rahul Gupta View Program Digital Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Neil Patel By Neil Patel View Program Finance Technical Analysis Demystified- A Complete Guide to Trading By Kunal Patel View Program Productivity Tool Excel Essentials to Expert: Your Complete Guide By Study at home View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals Batch 2 By Ansh Mehra View Program In Mandi district's Balh subdivision, many low-lying areas are facing severe waterlogging. Rainwater has entered homes and shops, prompting locals to take refuge on higher ground. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like NRIs Living In Bulgaria Are Eligible For INR 2 Lakh Monthly Pension. Invest 18K/Month Get Offer Undo Meanwhile, a total of 309 roads, including National Highway 305 (NH-305), remain blocked due to landslides and debris flows. The SDMA also confirmed that 236 water supply schemes and 113 power distribution transformers (DTRs) are currently non-functional, significantly affecting public life and essential services. District-wise data shows that Mandi has emerged as the worst-hit region, reporting 23 rain-related deaths and 14 fatalities in road accidents. The district also leads in terms of infrastructure damage, with 167 roads blocked, and the highest number of disruptions to water supply (74 schemes) and power services (91 transformers). Kangra district follows with 24 weather-related fatalities and six accident deaths, while Kullu reported 10 monsoon-related deaths and eight road fatalities. Chamba and Shimla have also recorded multiple casualties and widespread damage. Live Events Among the worst-hit districts are Mandi, Kullu, and Chamba, which together account for a major share of road blockages and public service breakdowns. National Highway-505 in Lahaul-Spiti also remains closed due to landslides and flash floods, cutting off vital access routes. The SDMA report noted that the cumulative damage to public property, including roads, power lines, water systems, health infrastructure, and schools, exceeds Rs 1,71,495 lakh, with over 88,800 hectares of crops affected, primarily in agriculture and horticulture.
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Time of India
‘Corpses' in queue at Kashi ghats as swollen Ganga overflows onto streets
1 2 Varanasi: Families wait for hours for their turn for the last rites of their near and dear ones at the Ghats in Kashi, as rising waters of the swollen Ganga overflowed on to the streets of Varanasi on Monday, leaving the Manikarnika and Harishchandra ghats cremation grounds inundated. While pyres are being set at the upper platform at Manikarnika, cremation is taking place in streets near Harishchandra ghat. After submerging all ghats, Ganga waters have started flowing on roads, especially in upstream areas, while downstream, it flooded tributary Varuna and marooned dozens of localities on its banks. The Ganga in spate has not only affected lives of thousands in Varanasi, but it is also causing panic in Ballia and has marooned fields with paddy crops in Ghazipur and Chandauli districts. After crossing the 72-metre mark, above the danger level of 71.26 metres, the river water has entered the city areas. However, the pace of rise has reduced to less than one centimetre per hour in Varanasi. It is the first time since 2016 that floodwaters have inundated the streets up to the steps of Manikarnika Ghat, because of which people arriving here to perform last rites have to leave the bodies on the street and wait for boats to carry them to upper platform at the ghat. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Sanjay Majhi, one of the two boatmen engaged in bringing the bodies for cremation, said, "Only seven to eight pyres can be set on the upper platform, and it takes at least three hours for cremation of one body while over 100 bodies arrive here in 24 hours." Mahashamshan Nath Temple manager Gulshan Kapoor said that the waiting time for the last rites has gone above 15 hours. Another boatman, Bullu Sahani, said, "We have to lift corpses to help people take the body up to the pyre." Meanwhile, the Ganga aarti of Dashashwamedh and other ghats are being performed symbolically on the rooftops of buildings near the ghats. The floods have affected 6,631 people from 1,443 families in 53 villages and 24 wards of urban areas. Of these, 3,752 people from 796 families have been shifted to flood relief camps, while 2,879 from 647 families are at other secure places. Of 46 flood relief camps, 20 were operationalised. The district administration engaged 80 boats in relief and rescue operations while community kitchens are being operated to provide meals to flood-hit families. The highest flood level (HFL) in Varanasi was recorded at 73.9 metres in 1978. Recently, the Ganga water level touched 72.56 metres in 2016 and 72.63 metres in 2013. In Ballia, the river level was recorded above 59.65-metre mark against the HFL of 60.39 metres. Against the HFL of 80.34 metres, the river was at 78.37-metre mark in Mirzapur. The officials in Mirzapur, Bhadohi, Chandauli, Ghazipur, and Ballia are monitoring the flood-affected areas while continuing the relief and rescue operations. Meanwhile, the district administration have announced closure of schools for students till Class 12 on Aug 5 and 6.
