Several key roads, including the Phagwara-Banga Road, Phagwara-Hoshiarpur Road, Railway Road, and Hadiabad Road, Hargobind Nagar road, were reported to be in severe disrepair—worsened further by the downpour. These roads have reportedly not seen proper maintenance in nearly two years, resulting in frequent accidents and travel delays.
PHAGWARA: Torrential rains lashed Phagwara and surrounding towns since Monday night, paralyzing daily life and exposing the grim reality of the region’s crumbling infrastructure. With major roads waterlogged and several low-lying areas inundated, residents battled with knee-deep water, damaged roads, power outages, and increasing health concerns.
The rainwater not only flooded streets but also entered homes in areas like Gaushala Road, Hargobind Nagar, Kherra Road, Palahai Road, Shiv Puri, Onkar Nagar, and New Model Town, leaving residents scrambling to drain out the accumulated water. Garbage heaps in vacant plots, now soaked in rain, have become breeding grounds for foul odors and potential health hazards. In some locations, such as the lane adjacent to the State Bank of India in Hargobind Nagar, dangerously leaning trees have added to public safety concerns.
The Municipal Corporation's preparedness has come under scrutiny, with civic groups and residents questioning the effectiveness of monsoon management. Illegal encroachments near the Model Town rest-house have further obstructed water drainage, worsening the situation. Advocate C.R. Gautam called for urgent corrective action, stating that the MC cannot encroach on public land in a manner that hampers basic civic functioning.
Acknowledging the severity of the situation, Phagwara Mayor Ram Pal Uppal assured residents that the administration is treating the matter with urgency. “We understand the difficulties people are facing and are committed to resolving the infrastructure and drainage issues. The rains have highlighted gaps we must now address head-on, ” he said.