Chandigarh: After large parts of the city witnessed severe waterlogging during Tuesday evening’s downpour, the Chandigarh municipal corporation (MC) has identified 52 major waterlogging hotspots across Chandigarh. A majority of these vulnerable locations are situated in the city’s low-lying southern sectors, though several trouble spots have also been mapped in the northern sectors, including areas around the Punjab and Haryana high court, key commercial hubs, residential pockets, Manimajra, the Industrial Area and Hallomajra.Following the identification of these hotspots, the MC chief engineer directed senior engineering officers to prepare both short-term and long-term action plans to prevent recurring waterlogging. Officers have also been asked to submit action-taken reports and update the current status of the worst-affected locations. Several officers have already furnished their reports.According to a detailed assessment carried out by the engineering wing, many severely affected points were found clogged due to the removal of road gully gratings or the accumulation of dry leaves, branches and other debris. These obstructions were cleared immediately. In several locations, suction machines were deployed to drain out accumulated water and restore normal conditions.The civic body is also considering long-term engineering interventions for chronically affected areas. Among the measures under discussion is the diversion of surface runoff from certain waterlogging-prone stretches towards nearby choes. However, officials said the proposal involves extensive planning and coordination with multiple departments of the Chandigarh administration and will therefore be pursued as a long-term project.Other measures being explored include comprehensive desilting of stormwater drains, construction of new stormwater lines and strengthening of the existing drainage network to improve the city’s capacity to handle intense rainfall.Officials said field assessments also revealed that some waterlogged locations fall under the jurisdiction of other departments of the Chandigarh administration. The MC has written to the authorities concerned, urging them to take corrective measures to ensure timely drainage of accumulated rainwater.Tuesday’s downpour not only exposed weaknesses in the city’s stormwater drainage network but also raised questions about long-term planning for flood mitigation, particularly in low-lying areas that witness repeated waterlogging during heavy rain. Significantly, several of the identified hotspots have experienced similar problems in previous monsoon seasons.
