Streets, houses clogged with rainwater as drains flood over

Ludhiana: A little rain was enough to establish that the apprehensions of residents of Dhoka Mohalla, Shivaji Nagar, New Shivaji Nagar and other areas about the monsoon were well founded. After barely an hour of rain water from seasonal drains flowed into their streets and houses. They complained that their repeated requests for arrangements to prevent flooding before the onset of the monsoon had not been heeded. TOI visited these areas and checked the situation on the ground.At Dhoka Mohalla, residents, who had suffered flooding last year, said that they had repaired their houses and furniture but were facing a similar situation again. The bridge in Dhoka Mohalla needs reconstruction. People were seen clearing mud and silt from the streets and houses, with children helping out. Furious residents said that if authorities did not take action, they would stage a protest. They also expressed disappointment with elected representatives, saying that they did not show up in times of trouble.Residents of Shivaji Nagar and New Shivaji Nagar were distressed about the waterlogged streets. They said that they were worried because the drain passing through the area had not been cleaned but the MC had recently covered it. Since there was no place for the water to drain out, it flowed into people’s houses and shops. On Thursday, residents said that there was chest deep water in a few streets and people could not go to work. They also complained that MC officials had not come to help. They said that earlier, water used to flow into the drain but now the sewer system was incapable of draining the rainwater.Former MLA from the Congress, Surinder Dawar and former councillor Inder Aggarwal condemned ruling party MLA Ashok Prashar Pappi, accusing him of failing to perform his duty. Dawar claimed that when he had prepared a plan to cover the drain, it was decided to connect the rainwater of streets with the drain but officials changed the original plan and did not get cleaning done.Narrow escape for milkmanA milkman, Deep, who came to deliver milk in New Shivaji Nagar, was unaware that street number 11 in New Shivaji Nagar had been dug up at the entrance. Since he could not see the dug-up portion, which was covered with water, he drove straight inside the pit. Passersby pulled him out but he suffered injuries on the leg and chest. A JCB machine was used to pull his bike out of the pit.