Sewage crisis hits Ludhiana’s Dhoka Mohalla: ‘Dry’ floods trigger protest threat.

Ludhiana: Frustrated residents of Dhoka Mohalla have issued an ultimatum to the municipal corporation (MC), threatening to picket the commissioner's office on Monday after black sewage water flooded their streets for the second time in a week — despite a total lack of rainfall.The neighbourhood, which has struggled with drainage overflows for nearly four years, reached a breaking point Saturday night when filth and silt re-entered homes just hours after municipal workers had finished a cleanup drive.
The 'Bridge' BottleneckLocal representatives and residents allege the "dry flooding" is a man-made disaster caused by ongoing infrastructure projects. Congress councillor Arun Sharma claimed that the construction of two new bridges over the Buddha Dariya (seasonal drain) is the root cause. Sharma claimed construction debris and temporary structures have reportedly blocked the natural path of the water.He has alleged that the main drain's width has been reduced by nearly 90% at two critical points, causing water to back up into local secondary drains. He rues administrative silence. "When there is no rain, this water still comes into the streets," Sharma said, adding that MC officials have remained "tight-lipped" regarding the engineering failure.Dangerous Living ConditionsThe overflow has turned Dhoka Mohalla into a hazardous zone. Residents reported slippery streets, forced isolation, and health risks. A thick layer of silt has made walking nearly impossible, with reports of elderly residents and children losing their balance and falling into the filth.Many families say they are "prisoners in their own homes," unable to step outside due to the unsanitary conditions. The persistent presence of "black water" and stagnant silt has raised immediate concerns regarding waterborne diseases and the overall "filthy atmosphere."Protest PlansWhile residents stated they do not wish to cause public inconvenience by blocking main roads, they confirmed they will take their grievances directly to the MC headquarters. "We do not want to trouble other residents, therefore we will protest at the MC office," a local spokesperson said. The group is demanding an immediate clearing of the Buddha Dariya obstructions and the long-delayed completion of the project to cover the local drain. MSID:: 127839043 413 |