Waterlogged road leaves people in lurch

Ajay Joshi

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, July 5

Rains this fortnight might have brought some relief from the scorching heat, but have also exposed the miserable condition of the roads as the poor quality concrete, used to fill potholes and pits, has come off. Waterlogging seems to be another issue irking commuters here.

For instance, the service road on the Maqsudan Bypass to Sarb Multiplex or Pathankot Bypass Chowk stretch is crying for attention for the past several years. Due to the substandard quality concrete used in re-carpeting of the road, the problem stays the same every year. The nearby vendors claimed that even the sewer water remains stagnant on the road as the drainage system is lying defunct.

Apart from the vehicular rush, the commuters said the stagnant water is another lurking danger. Many mishaps have taken place on the road in the past. Due to its vicinity to the industrial areas, it's majorly used by industry owners, Jalandhar-Ludhiana travellers, transporters and labourers who while peddling their bicycles through the water fear of falling in the water.

Numerous potholes have emerged on the road making it from bad to worse. Aman Dhali, a local resident, even took to social media, asking the MC authorities about when the condition of roads would improve in the city as they feared mishaps while commuting on the road. Residents say call it a nightmarish experience to navigate these roads, especially during the night. The condition worsens on a rainy day as it becomes difficult for them to spot the potholes.

"Many a times, vehicles get stuck on broken roads. People riding two-wheelers have been grievously injured on these roads in the past. On a rainy day, rainwater gets accumulated for a long time. There is no use lodging a complaint with the MC as we know nothing would be done," said Rakesh, a fruit and vegetable vendor.

A commuter, Sanvir Singh said, "The road has not been repaired for the past two years. The condition of the stretch has worsened with the passage of time. If the government does not carry out development works on time, it has no right to collect development tax from us. "Rains have washed away the metalled layer of the road. Now, the stretch is riddled with potholes, loose gravel and soil. Dust flying due to the dilapidated condition of the road has further added to our woes."

Meanwhile, MC Engineer Rajneesh Dogra said the problem was still prevalent due to the damaged sewer line, which needed to be fixed. We are aware of the waterlogging situation and will repair the road shortly," added Dogra.