Barinderjit. Saluja
Wastewater from alleged illegal sewer outlets flows into an NHAI storm water drain in Zirakpur, causing overflows on service roads and aggravating waterlogging during the monsoon
Mohali: Commuters using the NH-152 elevated corridor in Zirakpur may soon get relief from chronic waterlogging, with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) launching a drive to disconnect illegal sewer and wastewater outlets linked to the highway’s storm water drainage system.NHAI has identified more than 55 unauthorised discharge connections from adjoining residential and commercial properties. The authority has also flagged an alleged illegal connection laid by the Zirakpur municipal council, which officials claim has added to the burden on the drainage network.According to NHAI, the illegal outlets have been causing wastewater to flow into a drain meant exclusively for storm water, resulting in overflows onto service roads and worsening flooding during heavy rainfall. Officials said the problem has become a major inconvenience and safety concern for motorists.NHAI project director Ashim Bansal said the highway drain was designed solely to carry storm water from the national highway and was never intended to receive sewage or wastewater from nearby colonies and establishments.He alleged that the municipal council had also laid an unauthorised 600-mm-diameter pipeline into the NH drain near Patiala Chowk, significantly increasing the load on the system.The matter has been taken up with the SAS Nagar district administration, the department of local govt and the Punjab govt. A duty magistrate has been appointed to oversee the removal of the illegal connections.According to NHAI, around 10-15 illegal outlets have already been disconnected, while work to remove the remaining connections is under way. Officials said the drive has progressed slower than planned due to limited availability of the duty magistrate but added that the exercise is being carried out in coordination with the district administration.NHAI expects all illegal discharge points to be removed within the next two to three weeks. Officials said restoring the drain to its intended purpose would significantly improve storm water flow and reduce waterlogging on service roads during the monsoon.
