Ghaziabad: Blocked drains and sewers continue to cause waterlogging on the streets of Shalimar Garden, with residents complaining that repeated demands for regular cleaning of drains and storm-water channels have gone unaddressed. As a result, roads are submerged whenever it rains, disrupting daily life and affecting businesses.“Every time it rains, waterlogging turns our main roads into rivers,” said Pradeep Gupta, a resident of the area.A video shared of the area after the recent rains shows streets outside houses under water too. Residents said water seeps into basements and damages the foundation of buildings. “Repairing the damage costs lakhs. It is putting a financial strain on us,” said Pawan Bhatnagar, a shop owner and resident of the area.Waterlogging and consequently submerged potholes have made the area accident-prone too, some say.The stagnant water has also raised health concerns. The accumulation of dirty water creates a breeding ground for mosquitoes, which may cause a jump in vector-borne diseases, like dengue and malaria.The situation has led to growing resentment among the public towards the municipal authorities. “We feel deprived of basic amenities. Immediate action needs to be taken by the councillor,” said Harish Kumar, another resident.Gupta urged officials concerned to conduct an immediate inspection of the drains and storm-water channels, and provide a detailed report on their condition. “The report should outline the number of blocked drains, the frequency of cleaning, and accountability for the ongoing failures in the drainage system. We cannot let this situation continue,” Gupta said. “A permanent solution to the waterlogging problem must be implemented, prioritising the cleaning and desilting of drains.”Officials, meanwhile, maintained that drains were cleaned before the monsoon. On the issue of waterlogging, they said they had taken note of the issue and it would be addressed soon.
Residents report water ingress into basements and commercial properties, exacerbating the situation and leading to significant financial strain.
