Traffic halts as city roads waterlogged

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, June 21

Heavy rain today brought the city to a standstill as three-four feet water got accumulated on city roads.

The traffic on the Bathinda-Mansa road halted after vehicles got stuck near the under-bridge due to poor drainage.

Though the rain gave relief from the sultry weather, it threw life out of gear.

Long traffic jams could be witnessed in many parts of the city.

Also, the roads in VVIP areas, including Deputy Commissioner and Inspector General of Police residences and mini-secretariat, were submerged under water.

The condition was worst on Power House Road, Ajit road, Mall Road, Amrik Singh road and bus stand.

Gurprasad Singh, a resident of Paras Ram Nagar, said, “Due to waterlogged roads and streets, the business is affected. During rains, water enters their shops.”

Due to the accumulation of stagnant water and heaps of garbage, it is almost impossible to breathe, he added.

Meenu Dutta, a resident of Bhai Ghaniya Ji Chowk, said, “Due to the construction of a flyover on Goniana road, it is almost impossible for pedestrians to cross the road.”

Gagan Singh, a resident of Sukhpeer road, said, “Several accidents occur during the rains as the potholes get covered under water and pedestrians and other commuters get stuck.”

“Many a time, we have brought this problem to the notice of the Municipal Corporation, but to no avail,” he added.

Mayor Balwant Rai Nath said, “We have already put the staff on duty to drain rainwater and slush as fast as possible.”