Latest news with #AmrikSinghSomal
Indian Express
4 days ago
- General
- Indian Express
Mohali civic body to spend Rs 80 lakh on renting pumps again
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.'
Indian Express
13-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
F&CC proposes Rs 200-crore plan to save Mohali from monsoon flooding
In a major move to protect several flood-prone areas of Mohali such as Phase 3B2, Phase 4, Phase 5, Sector 70-71, Phase 7, and Phase 11 from rainwater damage during the monsoon, the Mohali Municipal Corporation has formulated a Rs 200-crore project. This initiative aims to provide a permanent drainage solution by channeling rainwater into the Patiala Ki Rao choe. The proposal is backed by a thorough survey and a technically sound drainage model. Speaking to The Indian Express, Mayor Amarjit Singh Jeeti Sidhu said, 'Mohali Municipal Corporation does not have the required funds. A letter has been sent to the government requesting financial assistance. As soon as funds are received, the project will be initiated to provide lasting relief to residents from monsoon-related losses.' In a Finance and Contract Committee meeting held Monday, estimates worth Rs 12 crore for new works were approved and work orders worth Rs 13 crore were issued. These include vital civic projects related to sewerage, footpaths, and roads. Present at the meeting were Senior Deputy Mayor Amrik Singh Somal, Deputy Mayor Kuljit Singh Bedi, committee members Jasvir Singh Manku and Anuradha Anand, Chief Engineer Naresh Batta, and other senior officials. Highlighting key decisions, the mayor said, 'To ensure proper rainwater drainage, the city has been divided into four zones for the desilting of clogged drainage pipes. The tendering process is underway, and large-scale cleaning will begin soon.' He added, 'In addition, in coordination with the Soil Conservation Department, tall reed grass along the N-choe (seasonal stream) passing through Mohali will be cleared starting next week.' On urban mobility, he said, 'Mohali's first cycle track has been a major success. Our goal is to connect all residential areas to marketplaces through dedicated cycle tracks. This will not only help reduce parking issues but also promote healthier lifestyles.' Emphasising transparency and fairness, Sidhu said, 'Development work is being carried out in every ward based on need — without any discrimination.' He stressed that officials have been instructed to maintain the highest quality standards and regularly review pending projects. 'Any negligence will result in strict action against the contractors and officials concerned,' he warned.
