TNN
Monsoon misery haunts industry
Ludhiana: It seems that the city cannot get past a monsoon without drowning in confusion. This year, the season’s first heavy showers caused the chronic problem of waterlogging in industrial areas and focal points. Yet again, industrialists accused the MC of failing to address recurring drainage issues despite repeated representations.Focal points and roads in the industrial area were submerged after only a few hours of rainfall, making commuting hazardous for workers and disrupting industrial activity.Pankaj Sharma, president of the Association of Trade and Industrial Undertakings (ATIU), said the situation was a repeat of what industries have been facing every monsoon for years.“Barely two weeks ago, we wrote to the municipal corporation, requesting that sewers in focal points and connecting roads be thoroughly cleaned and all blockages removed before the onset of the monsoon. But just a few hours of rain caused havoc,” he said.Expressing concern over what lay in store ahead, he said, “If this is the situation after the very first proper rain, what can we expect in the coming weeks? Every year, the same issue resurfaces, yet no permanent solution is found. For staff and workers, even reaching factories becomes an ordeal.“Industrialists said the flooded roads not only inconvenience employees but also adversely affect Ludhiana‘s image as a manufacturing hub.Arjun Pandit of the Textile Colony Small Industries Association termed the civic body’s failure to address the issue a matter of serious concern. “It is a major embarrassment for us and threatens loss of business. Roads around our industrial units get choked after every spell of rain. Last year, when a client from France visited my factory, I deliberately brought him through a different route to avoid the worst flooded stretches. Even then, when he reached the factory, he was shocked to see the waterlogged roads and expressed surprise that such conditions existed in a city known for its industries,” he said.Pandit added that apart from product quality, overseas buyers are acutely conscious of working conditions, infrastructure and employee safety.Voicing concern about the repeated flooding, workers said they were forced to wade through knee-deep and even deeper water to reach their workplaces.“It is unsafe and dangerous. Every rainy day becomes a struggle,” said Ramesh, who works in a fastener manufacturing company.For industrialist Sarabjeet Singh, the rain brings back painful memories and anxiety. He recalled that his factory was flooded during the previous monsoon, leading to losses worth lakhs.“While people welcome the monsoon, the industry dreads it. Every spell of rain raises fears of water choking roads and entering factory premises. Commuting becomes difficult and business operations remain under constant threat,” he said.Business leaders urged the MC to immediately undertake cleaning of drains, clear sewer blockages and ensure that the drainage system in industrial areas worked efficiently.
