Storm water drainage project at Clock Tower leaves commuters a harried lot

Harshraj Singh
Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, May 25

Commuters face a lot of inconvenience due to the ongoing storm water drainage project near Clock Tower as the MC failed to take any measures to avoid traffic snarls.

The officials had earlier claimed that the work would be carried out during the curfew hours or night time. But, the work is also done in the morning during the curfew relaxation hours, causing traffic snarls on the Old GT Road stretch. Also, the commuters are forced to pass through the wrong side as the stretch has been dug up at different points.

Under the project, storm water drainage pipes are to be installed between Rekhi Cinema Chowk and an old drain near Bhadaur House on Old GT Road to resolve the years-old problem of waterlogging during rains near Clock Tower. Residents said the MC must take the required steps to resolve the issue.

Varinder Kumar, who is a teacher at a nearby school, said the Old GT Road is one of the busiest roads in the city. “If possible, the work should be carried out at night time these days or the MC should make proper traffic diversion plan so that the commuters don’t face any inconvenience,” he added.

A shopkeeper said, “Due to restrictions amid the Covid-19 pandemic, we are allowed to open shops for only limited hours from Monday to Friday. The shops remain completely closed on Saturday and Sunday due to the weekend curfew. Now, the traffic snarls have increased the woes. Moreover, dust keeps coming into the shops. The project is also very much important for the area. To avoid any kind of problem, the work should be conducted only after 1 pm daily or at night.”

A Congress leader, Parminder Mehta, said, “The traffic snarls are being witnessed as no planning was done before starting the project. Clock Tower Chowk is a major point in the city as thousands of commuters pass through this way. The MC should carry out the project work at night time so that the commuters do not suffer any more.”

Ward councillor concerned Rakesh Prashar said he would talk to MC officials in this regard. Despite repeated attempts, the MC’s Superintending Engineer Rajinder Singh could not be contacted for comments. Mayor Balkar Singh Sandhu said he would ask the officials and contractor to carry out the work at night time.