Frustrated residents of Dhoka Mohalla in Ludhiana have issued a stern ultimatum to the municipal corporation, threatening to picket the commissioner's office on Monday. This decisive action comes after black sewage water flooded their streets for the second time within a single week, despite a complete absence of rainfall in the area.
Chronic Drainage Issues Reach Breaking Point
The neighborhood has been grappling with persistent drainage overflows for nearly four years, but the situation reached a critical juncture on Saturday night. Filth and silt re-entered homes just hours after municipal workers had completed a cleanup drive, leaving residents exasperated and demanding immediate solutions.
The Infrastructure Bottleneck
Local representatives and residents are pointing fingers at what they call a "man-made disaster" caused by ongoing infrastructure projects. Congress councillor Arun Sharma has specifically identified the construction of two new bridges over the Buddha Dariya, a seasonal drain, as the root cause of the problem.
Sharma claims that construction debris and temporary structures have effectively blocked the natural path of the water. He alleges that the main drain's width has been reduced by nearly 90% at two critical points, causing water to back up into local secondary drains and flood residential areas.
"When there is no rain, this water still comes into the streets," Sharma stated, expressing frustration at what he describes as administrative silence. He added that MC officials have remained "tight-lipped" regarding what residents perceive as a significant engineering failure.
Dangerous Living Conditions
The recurring sewage overflow has transformed Dhoka Mohalla into a hazardous zone with multiple risks to residents' safety and well-being. Reports indicate slippery streets that have made walking nearly impossible, with particular concerns for vulnerable community members.
- Elderly residents and children have reportedly lost their balance and fallen into the filth
- Many families describe themselves as "prisoners in their own homes" unable to step outside due to unsanitary conditions
- The persistent presence of black water and stagnant silt has raised immediate concerns about waterborne diseases
- Residents complain about the overall "filthy atmosphere" affecting their quality of life
Protest Plans and Demands
While residents have stated they do not wish to cause public inconvenience by blocking main roads, they have confirmed their intention to take their grievances directly to the MC headquarters. "We do not want to trouble other residents, therefore we will protest at the MC office," a local spokesperson explained.
The protesting group is demanding two specific actions from municipal authorities:
- Immediate clearing of the Buddha Dariya obstructions caused by bridge construction
- Completion of the long-delayed project to cover the local drain
The situation represents a significant test for Ludhiana's municipal administration as they face growing public frustration over infrastructure projects that residents claim are exacerbating rather than solving existing problems. The planned Monday protest highlights the urgency of addressing both immediate cleanup needs and long-term drainage solutions for affected communities.
