Chandigarh nearing 1,000-mm mark as heavy showers continue to pound Tricity
Panchkula received 133 mm rainfall in 33 hours
4 min read
Police have urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel towards Morni, drive cautiously on affected routes, and remain alert to weather and road conditions.
As relentless rains continue to batter Chandigarh, the seasonal rainfall since June 1 in the city has reached 996.6 mm — about 34.7 per cent above normal.
Chandigarh received 83.9 mm rainfall in the past 33 hours — 63.6 mm between 8.30 am (Tuesday) and 8.30 am (Wednesday), and another 20.4 mm till 5.30 pm (Wednesday) — according to the Met Centre, Chandigarh. A yellow alert has also been issued for Thursday by the Met.
The maximum temperature on Wednesday was 29.4 degree Celsius, while the minimum settled at 21.6 degree Celsius, with both being four degrees below normal. Humidity levels remained high, with the maximum relative humidity recorded at 96 per cent.
The meteorological department has predicted light to moderate rainfall with chances of thunderstorms and lightning at isolated places on Thursday. The intensity of rain is expected to reduce over the weekend, but another spell of heavy rain at isolated places is likely around September 9.
Heavy rainfall on Wednesday led to widespread waterlogging and traffic chaos in several parts of Chandigarh, causing major inconvenience to commuters. Key stretches, including Madhya Marg, Dakshin Marg, and areas near the Industrial Area and Transport Chowk, witnessed long traffic snarls as vehicles moved at a snail’s pace through knee-deep water.
Low-lying sectors such as 26, 28, 32, and 45 reported severe water accumulation, disrupting normal movement. The situation worsened near the Housing Board light point and Hallo Majra, where stranded vehicles further slowed down traffic. Commuters were left stuck for hours, prompting calls for better drainage arrangements.
133 mm in Panchkula, 73.5 mm in Mohali
Heavy rainfall continued to drench the region on Tuesday with Panchkula and Mohali recording significant showers and day temperatures remained below normal levels.
According to the meteorological department, Panchkula received 57.5 mm of rainfall till 8.30 am on Wednesday, followed by an additional 75.5 mm between 8.30 am and 5.30 pm, bringing the day’s total to over 133 mm. The maximum temperature in Panchkula was 29.9 degree Celsius, nearly 3.7 degree Celsius below normal, while the minimum settled at 22.1 degree Celsius.
In Mohali, 55.5 mm of rainfall was recorded till 8.30 am, and a further 18 mm during the day, taking the total to 73.5 mm. The maximum temperature stood at 30.7 degree Celsius, about 1.6 degree Celsius below normal, with a minimum of 22.1 degree Celsius.
The weather office has forecast the possibility of more rain at isolated places in the coming days in both Haryana and Punjab, warning of waterlogging in low-lying areas.
Mayor, Commissioner conduct field visits to address waterlogging issues in Chandigarh
Chandigarh Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla and Municipal Corporation (MC) Commissioner Amit Kumar, carried out on-ground inspections of vulnerable areas across the city on Wednesday.
The Mayor reviewed repair work at the roundabout between Sectors 14/15 and 24/25, where CBD slab casting was completed 20 days ago. She directed officials to complete backfilling and restore smooth traffic flow on priority. Later, she inspected the underbridge between Sectors 11/15, a hotspot for waterlogging, and instructed engineers to expedite drainage measures using high-capacity machinery.
Kumar, along with executive engineers, visited several low-lying sectors earlier in the day. He ordered immediate deployment of suction pumps and round-the-clock monitoring in waterlogged areas to prevent damage to life and property.
Advisory issued in Panchkula
The traffic police have issued an advisory cautioning commuters after continuous rainfall caused landslides, uprooted trees, and damaged roads in the Morni region of Panchkula.
Traffic SHO Varinder Kumar said several stretches in the hills have become narrow and slippery, posing accident risks, while a culvert on NH-7 near Bandargatti has also been damaged. Barricades have been placed at the site.
Police have urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel towards Morni, drive cautiously on affected routes, and remain alert to weather and road conditions.
GMADA sets up flood control rooms
In view of heavy rains, the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) has set up a 24×7 flood control room to assist residents. Complaints can be registered on 6239885502.
Chief Administrator Vishesh Sarangal said dedicated staff will ensure prompt redressal, with field officers reporting back after resolution. “Officers have been directed to address complaints in the best possible manner and minimum time,” he stated.
Nodal officers will monitor the situation, while vehicles like excavators and trucks have been kept ready. Sarangal also directed that staff not avail leave until the rainy season ends.
With inputs from Jasbir Malhi
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