As in previous years, residents of Sectors 70, 71, Phases 4, 5, 3B1, 3B2, and Phase 11 struggled unsuccessfully to keep water from entering their homes, while waterlogged Aerocity highlighted GMADA’s inadequate planning and preparedness.
Mohali experienced an unprecedented 303 mm rainfall in just 72 hours, an amount typically recorded throughout the entire monsoon season.
Residents in areas such as Sectors 70, 71, and Phases 3B1, 3B2, 4, 5, and 11 struggled alongside authorities to prevent water from inundating their homes but were largely unsuccessful.
Residents of the older parts of the city faced significant challenges during the recent crisis, but those living in the newly developed 10 blocks of Aerocity near Chandigarh International Airport fared no better, with the entire area submerged in water and enduring a three-day power outage. Many were forced to charge their phones in their cars.
Despite Mohali city allocating an annual budget of ₹1 crore for cleaning road gullies before the monsoon, even a brief spell of rain often leads to waterlogged roads and traffic disruptions.
There are 17,000 road gullies in the city, with 9,000 managed by the public health department and 8,000 by the municipal corporation. However, both authorities failed to clean 15% of these gullies before the onset of the monsoon.
Former PUDA executive engineer Narinder Singh Kalsi explained that sector-dividing roads in the affected areas were initially at a lower level than internal roads. However, officials raised the level of these roads by over two feet, surpassing the 1.5-foot plinth level of houses, causing water to accumulate and seep into residences.
Punjab’s former town planning director MS Aujla, a resident of Mohali, acknowledges that the drainage system fails to cope with heavy rainfall every year, leading to recurring issues.
To address the issue effectively, the drainage system requires a capacity upgrade and a comprehensive audit that considers the impact of climate change and severe weather conditions.
Areas of concern
Mataur village, Sector 70
Mataur village in Sector 70 becomes a major challenge during the monsoon, with its narrow streets, blocked drains, and lack of space to build new drainage systems. In several areas, drains are obstructed by construction materials or encroachments.
Phases 3B1, 3B2, 4, 5 and 11
Structural flaws in Phases 4 and 5 have led to significant waterlogging during the monsoon. Many homes in these areas are located in low-lying regions, and no agency has provided a solution to prevent water from flooding these houses. Residents also point to the unplanned road carpeting, which raises the plinth level and causes water to accumulate along the sides.
Waterlogging has become a common issue in Phases 3B1 and 3B2, as the area’s natural topography makes it susceptible to flooding, with water from Chandigarh flowing into this part of Mohali. In Phase 11, inadequate cleaning of Lakhnour Choe leads to flooding, as the choked watercourse causes the water level to rise and seep into homes.
Officials’ take
Discussing preventive steps
This time, the rainfall was unusually heavy, causing flooding in all low-lying areas. Sewers overflowed, but repairs have been completed. A meeting is scheduled to discuss measures to prevent future incidents.
Balwinder Singh, chief engineer, Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA).
Caught unawares
The heavy rain took us by surprise, but our teams have been working relentlessly ever since to clear all road gullies. I have directed the engineering department to come up with a long-term solution for the waterlogged areas. A budget of ₹2 crore has been allocated for Phase 11 alone.
Amarjit Singh Sidhu, Mohali mayor
Residents’ take
Singapore dreams washed away
GMADA had promised that Aerocity would be built like Singapore, but the recent rains have revealed the stark contrast between their claims and reality. The flooding left residents trapped in their homes for days, and a three-day power cut followed. There is a need for criminal action against the concerned officers.
Vinod Sharma, president, Aerocity Welfare Society
Hold officers responsible
It’s strange how road gully cleaning is always delayed until the last minute. Those responsible for this inefficiency should be held accountable for the mess. Two decades ago, waterlogging was not a problem as the roads were at plinth level. The authorities have been violating norms by laying pre-mix without digging, causing the roads to rise in height.
Mohinder Pal Singh, president, Residents Welfare and Development Committee, Sector 79.