Mohali civic body to spend Rs 80 lakh on renting pumps again

Indian Express

2 days ago

Despite repeated failure to provide relief to people in the rainy season, the Mohali Municipal Corporation is once again relying on the same drainage system involving pumps, which has proven ineffective in the past.
This time, it plans to rent tractor-mounted de-watering pumps at a cost of Rs 80 lakh for a period of three months. This move has drawn criticism not only from the public but also from several municipal councillors.
To date, the Municipal Corporation has failed to implement a lasting solution to waterlogging. The same temporary pump-based system, which failed last year when pumps stopped working mid-rain, is being proposed again.
Councillors argue that the amount being spent could be better utilised in establishing a permanent drainage solution.
According to residents, areas like Phase 3B2, 4, 5, Phase 11, and Sectors 70 and 71 experience severe flooding each monsoon. Parts of Phase 1 are also significantly affected, leading to major inconvenience and financial losses for residents.
In response, the corporation plans to install the rented pumps in these areas and deploy personnel to ensure immediate drainage during rainfall.
In 2016, the MC appointed a team of PEC engineers to address the issue of water logging. The team pointed out flaws in the city's old drainage system and recommended laying 26 km of new pipelines with diameters ranging from 80–100 mm.
They also suggested installing a rainwater harvesting system and channeling excess water into the seasonal rivulet, Patiala Ki Rao.
However, despite the passage of nine years, the MC has taken no action on the report.
As a result, low-lying areas remain affected, and during every monsoon, homes and streets are repeatedly flooded, causing residents continuous inconvenience and financial losses amounting to lakhs of rupees.
What Officials Say
In this regard, when several attempts were made to contact Commissioner Municipal Council Parminder Pal Singh, he could not be contacted on the phone.
Amrik Singh Somal, Senior Deputy Mayor & councillor, Sector 71
'GMADA has not been cooperating in resolving this issue. In fact, they raised the levels of Airport Road and the Kumbhra-Balongi Road, which has caused rainwater to flood into sectors 70 and 71. We demand permission to lay pipelines up to the Kumbhra Light Point to enable proper drainage and offer a permanent solution.'
Kuljit Singh Bedi, Deputy Mayor & councillor, Phase 3B2: 'This issue arises every year, causing immense trouble to residents. While a permanent solution is still pending, renting pumps is currently the only option for temporary relief. Unfortunately, this has become an annual compulsion.'
Baljit Kaur, councillor, Phase 5 'After the construction of a causeway on the Phase 5 road, some relief was observed in the HIG and 7.5 marla belts. However, the 10 marla belt continues to suffer from rainwater accumulation. The best solution is to install direct pipelines to the Balongi drain.'
Rupinder Kaur Reena, councillor, Phase 4 'Renting pumps is a waste of public money. Instead of spending such a large amount on temporary equipment, a causeway should be constructed on the dividing road. It would cost less and solve the problem effectively.'
Mayor Amarjit Singh Jeeti Sidhu 'A comprehensive drainage project worth Rs 200 crore has been planned after conducting a survey. However, this project is beyond the financial scope of the Municipal Corporation. We have written to the government for financial assistance. Once the funds are received, we will begin work to ensure a permanent solution to the city's waterlogging issue.'