A critical infrastructure failure during a bridge construction project has placed several homes, factories, and a road in Ludhiana's old Madhopuri area at serious risk. The cause is a damaged sewer line, which has triggered significant soil erosion near the Buddha Dariya.
Construction Work Leads to Sewer Rupture
According to former senior deputy mayor Sham Sunder Malhotra, the crisis unfolded when contractors working on the bridge diverted the river's flow to build a retaining wall. During the digging process, they accidentally ruptured an existing sewer line. This breach has been spewing wastewater, which has subsequently washed away the soil used for the river diversion, accelerating the erosion process. Malhotra highlighted the issue publicly on Friday.
Immediate Threats and Official Response
Local residents and factory owners in the vicinity of the Gaushala area are now living in fear as the land near their properties continues to be eaten away. They worry about potential collapses if the erosion is not stopped swiftly. Following an inspection of the site by Malhotra and former MLA Surinder Dawar, meetings were held with the municipal corporation commissioner and the Zone D mayor.
Subsequently, Additional Commissioner Paramdeep Singh Khaira visited the location with a team of officials. After assessing the situation, he pledged to implement a quick fix to address the immediate danger.
Violation of Environmental Norms Alleged
Beyond the immediate engineering failure, the incident has raised questions about adherence to environmental regulations. Sham Sunder Malhotra pointed out that there is an existing National Green Tribunal (NGT) ban on construction activities near the Buddha Dariya. He criticized the authorities, stating, "Officials ignore the orders," and called for swift action to protect the people living close to the rapidly eroding drain.
The situation remains tense in old Madhopuri as the community awaits the promised remedial work, hoping it will come before any structural damage or disaster occurs.
