Residents of Nabha have voiced significant concerns regarding the perceived subpar desilting of local drains, alleging that municipal authorities have neglected repeated complaints despite the impending monsoon season.
The dissatisfaction has manifested in shared social media videos and formal complaints submitted to the Patiala Deputy Commissioner, with citizens asserting that drainage systems are either only partially cleaned or remain choked with accumulated silt.
Residents Cite Poor Workmanship and Clogged Systems
A widely circulated video depicts a contentious exchange between concerned citizens and the contractor tasked with the desilting operations, underscoring the tension surrounding the issue.
Reet Iqbal Singh, a resident of Ward Number 7, stated that a formal complaint concerning the quality of desilting work was lodged with the Deputy Commissioner on June 10. He further claimed that despite this complaint, several sections of the drain along the cinema road had not undergone proper cleaning.
Naresh Sharma, a resident of Ward Number 13, reported that numerous stretches of the drainage network continue to be blocked by silt. Other residents, including Nirmal Singh and Aman Bansal, expressed apprehension that significant portions of the town could experience waterlogging during even moderate rainfall if the drains in the area spanning from Jatta Wala Baas to Chhajju Bhatt are not adequately cleared.
Municipal Council Contract Details and Assurances
Information available with The Chenab Times indicates that the local Municipal Council has awarded a contract valued at Rs 8.5 lakh for the desilting of three drains to a private contractor. An additional Rs 10 lakh has been allocated for the cleaning of the Munna Lal Kanda–Chhajju Bhatt drain, also under contract. The maintenance of several other drains is reportedly being handled by municipal employees directly.
In response to the escalating public grievances, municipal official Amit Kumar Dureja visited the affected sites. Following his inspection, he assured local residents that efforts would be made to ensure the work is completed to satisfactory standards.
The Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Nabha, APS Somal, informed the media that the Executive Officer of the Municipal Council would be directed to address the public’s grievances concerning the drain desilting operations.
The Chenab Times News Desk