Pre-monsoon drain cleaning drive begins

Chandigarh: With the monsoon approaching, the UT administration has launched a citywide drive to clean road gullies and stormwater drainage systems to prevent flooding.Tenders have been floated for desilting road gullies and manhole inspection chambers along major roads and junctions, including Madhya Marg, Dakshin Marg, Transport Chowk and Poultry Farm junction.A senior UT official said the move follows past instances of heavy rain causing waterlogging on roads. “This time, we are taking timely remedial measures,” the official said, adding that while the city’s drainage network is old, it remains largely efficient and flooding is usually brief.Officials said proper and timely cleaning can significantly minimise waterlogging, ensure smooth traffic movement and reduce inconvenience during heavy rain.The administration has also urged residents not to dump garbage in drains to support the pre-monsoon exercise.