Chronic waterlogging part 2: Potholed roads, stench everywhere — rains bring pain

Over 1,000 trucks are stationed at Thansport Nagar every day, with drivers from all over the country loading and unloading articles all the time. It’s a happening place, full of hustle and bustle.

But, poor hygienic conditions are posing a threat to the area people. And with monsoon every year, civic conditions are going from bad to worse. Each spell of rain wreaks havoc, no wonder why truck drivers have named the place ‘Narak (hell) Nagar’.

Chronic waterlogging in Ludhiana: Ganda Nullah brings horror to nearby areas

The municipal corporation (MC), as usual, is in slumber, wakes up only after some serious outbreak occurs, say area people.

Even a 15-minute rain spell creates flood-like situation; waterlogged roads make it difficult to commute. When the rain stops, stagnant water not only emanates foul smell, but also invites water-borne diseases. The recent rain has made life difficult for residents. Sources say there are is a huge shortage of road gullies to drain out the stagnant water.

An open nullah, which passes through the area and enters Shivaji Nagar, overflows more often during monsoon, creating troubles in low-lying areas.

The link road outside Transport Nagar remains flooded during rainfall.

Some truck drivers told HT that whenever they visit the area, they get sick. “To probably give a wake-up call to the authorities, some people even put up a board displaying ‘Nark (hell) Nagar’ at the entrance of Transport Nagar, but to no avail,” they add.

Heavy trucks breaking down on waterlogged roads full of potholes are a common sight.

Area Councillor (ward 17), Amandeep Kaur, was not available for comment. When contacted, her son Navneet Singh Ghail attended the call, claiming he looks after the MC works. He said there is no drainage system at Transport Nagar, which is causing the problem.

The residents are demanding to cover the open nullah so that overflowing sewage does not enter the area. During a visit to the area after 24 hours of rain on Sunday, the accumulated water was seen at many places.

“Transport Nagar is a low-lying area, while the level of the GT Road has been raised. The rainwater from the GT Road side and surrounding areas also enters Transport Nagar. There is a need to put up a storm sewer system; it’s in place in 10% area so far,” said MC superintending engineer Rajinder Singh.

“We are not able to install the storm system due to the lack of funds,” he said.