Chandigarh Rainfall: 73 mm Rain Causes Waterlogging, Road Damage; Kataria Orders Immediate Action
CHANDIGARH: Chandigarh continued to deal with the impact of heavy rainfall as 73 mm of rain was recorded in 24 hours, leaving several parts of the city waterlogged and damaging road stretches. UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria conducted a ground survey of the affected areas on Wednesday and directed officials to take immediate steps to restore normal conditions.
Kataria, accompanied by Chief Secretary H Rajesh Prasad, Additional Chief Secretary to the Governor V P Singh, Home Secretary Mandip Singh Brar and Finance Secretary Dirpava Lakra, travelled through the affected areas in a Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU) bus.
The team inspected several locations, including Sectors 17, 22, 43, 46 and 47, Sector 26 Mandi, Jagatpura, Tribune Chowk, Shastri Nagar-Manimajra and Bapu Dham.
During the visit, the Administrator reviewed the problems faced by residents and commuters and assessed the possibility of further disruption following the heavy rain. He instructed officials of the Municipal Corporation and Engineering Department to work in coordination and ensure that waterlogging, fallen trees, branches and other obstructions are removed without delay.
73 mm Rainfall Recorded in 24 Hours
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Chandigarh observatory recorded 73 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours till 8.30 am on Wednesday. Another 0.5 mm was recorded between 8.30 am and 5.30 pm.
With the latest spell, Chandigarh's seasonal rainfall since June 1 has reached 549.7 mm. As of 8.30 am Wednesday, the city was still showing a 12.3 per cent rainfall deficit against the normal rainfall for the period.
The maximum temperature recorded in Chandigarh on Wednesday was 34.4 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature stood at 23.2 degrees Celsius.
Madhya Marg Section Closed After Road Damage
The heavy rain also affected traffic movement across the city. Several intersections experienced waterlogging during Tuesday's evening rush hour, while damaged road stretches created additional problems for commuters.
A portion of Madhya Marg near Sector 28 remains closed after a section of the road caved in following the downpour. Traffic has been diverted while repair work is being carried out.
The Chandigarh Administration has also issued advisories regarding two other damaged stretches.
The road near the Sector 9-10 Light Point on the Sector 9 side was damaged due to heavy rainfall. Commuters have been advised to drive slowly and exercise caution while crossing the affected section.
The slip road at Junction 56 on the Sector 40 side has also suffered damage. The administration has asked motorists to remain cautious and reduce speed while passing through the affected stretch.
The Administrator has directed the concerned departments to ensure quick water clearance and undertake road repair and restoration work on priority.