Mohali: The municipal corporation’s decision to undertake road excavation and sewerage repair works on the eve of the monsoon has left residents across Mohali grappling with muddy roads, traffic congestion and damaged stretches, drawing criticism over what they describe as poor planning and administrative apathy.Several roads dug up for sewerage and repair works have turned into slushy stretches following recent rains, making commuting hazardous for motorists, pedestrians and schoolchildren. Residents alleged that instead of completing the works before the onset of the monsoon or deferring them until after the rainy season, the civic body chose the worst possible time to begin excavation.The incomplete works have narrowed carriageways, slowed traffic movement and increased the risk of accidents. Waterlogging at excavation sites has further worsened conditions, with commuters forced to navigate potholes, slush and uneven road surfaces daily.A senior MC official said, “The work orders were issued earlier, but the projects got delayed and the monsoon has now arrived. We will ensure the works are completed soon.”Residents questioned the timing of the projects and alleged that public funds were being wasted on poorly planned works that have only added to civic inconvenience.“If the roads had to be repaired, the work should have been completed before the rains or taken up after the monsoon. Digging up roads just before the rainy season has turned the city into a nightmare for commuters,” said a resident.The civic body’s response has also come under scrutiny. Residents claimed repeated complaints have yielded little action and that authorities have failed to provide a clear timeline for completion of the projects.With traffic bottlenecks persisting and road conditions continuing to deteriorate, residents have demanded that the Municipal Corporation expedite the pending works, restore damaged roads and ensure better planning of future infrastructure projects.Bedi flags civic woes in merged areasFormer Mohali deputy mayor Kuljit Singh Bedi has urged the Punjab government to expedite the administrative takeover of villages merged with the Municipal Corporation and release adequate funds for civic services.In a letter to Municipal Commissioner Sundeep Singh Garha, Bedi said residents of Balongi, Balomajra, Balliali, Chappar Chiri Khurd, Chappar Chiri Kalan, Lakhnour, Sukhgarh, Sambhalki, Nanu Majra, Rudrakan and Chilla, besides IT City, TDI and Aerocity, continue to face civic hardships due to a prolonged transition.He alleged that the dissolution of village panchayats without a formal transfer of responsibilities has created confusion over the maintenance of sanitation, sewerage and garbage collection services. Bedi demanded immediate transfer of the merged areas to the MC, release of development funds and restoration of essential services, including roads, streetlights and sanitation.
