Day after Zirakpur reeled under rain fury, residents say, ‘cannot continue living in fear every monsoon’
The crisis was not confined to Maya Garden Phase 2. Other residential societies, including Sushma Green Vista, Spangle Condos, Maple Apartments, and Dashmesh Nagar in Dhakoli, also reported extensive waterlogging.
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Zirakpur in Punjab’s Mohali district has been experiencing heavy rains and flooding (Express Photo)A day after heavy rainfall wreaked havoc across Zirakpur in Punjab’s Mohali district, with widespread waterlogging, collapsing infrastructure, and severe traffic snarls, frustrated residents said on Thursday that the downpour has exposed the town’s fragile drainage system and lack of preparedness.
One of the worst-hit areas was Maya Garden Phase 2 along VIP Road, where a retaining wall collapsed amid relentless rains. The breach not only worsened flooding inside the society but also sparked alarm as stray animals and even snakes entered the premises. “It is a serious health and safety concern. With waterlogging everywhere, the situation is turning dangerous,” a resident said.
A similar incident had occurred in 2023, after which residents pooled funds to rebuild the wall in the absence of government support. With the wall down again, residents are demanding urgent intervention. “We cannot continue living in fear every monsoon. Authorities must step in before lives are endangered,” another resident said.
The crisis was not confined to Maya Garden Phase 2. Other residential societies, including Sushma Green Vista, Spangle Condos, Maple Apartments, and Dashmesh Nagar in Dhakoli, also reported extensive waterlogging.
Harpreet Kaur, a resident of Sushma Green Vista, said, “the Sushma Square Road gets clogged every time it rains, disrupting thousands of lives. The drainage here is simply not functional.”
The Nangla Road belt, connecting several premium housing societies where flats are priced close to a crore, was also left in shambles. Cratered with potholes and choked with water, the stretch became virtually impassable.
“Forget new roads, the existing ones are not even maintained. In the rains, commuting here becomes a herculean task,” Jatin, a resident of Maya Garden City, lamented.
The major arteries of Zirakpur also collapsed under the onslaught of rain. The Patiala Highway, leading towards the Airport Light Point, was submerged, throwing traffic out of gear for hours. Two-wheeler riders bore the brunt, with many vehicles breaking down in knee-deep water.
At Patiala Chowk and VIP Road, waterlogging reached three to four feet, causing massive gridlocks that extended towards Chandigarh. Despite the deployment of traffic policemen at multiple points, chaos ensued.
Nikhil Sharma, a property dealer in Zirakpur, blamed the lack of urban planning and civic management, saying poor drainage, potholed roads, and delayed repair work have compounded the crisis year after year. “The time for temporary fixes is long over — what Zirakpur needs is a permanent, comprehensive drainage and road maintenance plan,” he said.
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