Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): A spell of heavy rain for a few hours exposed the municipal body's preparedness for the monsoon. The commuters had a tough time wading through water-logged roads exposing the poor drainage system and lack of maintenance. Inundated roads led to traffic snarls on several key stretches.
Several commuters were seen stranded as their vehicles broke down. Many inner roads got choked at many places as hassled motorists rushed to find a way out. Even the Link Road no-1, Link Road no-2 and Link Road no-3 were waterlogged. These roads are supposed to be in good condition with a proper drainage system.
Water logging was also seen in many commercial complexes and residential areas. Rainwater gushed into shops, and the basement of a shopping complex in the state capital especially in the walled city on Monday.
The old city bore the brunt of the heavy rain and the apathy of the municipal authorities. Owing to the poor drainage system, and the failure of the civic body authorities to ensure cleaning and maintenance of the choked drains and sewage lines, many stretches in the walled city were flooded. Rainwater gushed into the shops causing losses to the traders. Following the downpour, houses and shops were flooded with over 2 feet rainwater. Electric motors were deployed to drain the accumulated water from the stores.
Most affected areas: Heavy water-logging prevailed in Mandakini, Bimakunj, Kanhakunj. Tulsinagar, Awadhpuri, Shivnagar, Karond, Bagh Mughalia, Saifia College Road, Hamidia Road, Chola, Sindhi Colony, Subhashnagar, Ghoda Nakkas, Shiv Nagar, Jyoti Talkies Square, Nehru Nagar, Ayodhya Bypass, Sainik Colony, Sant Kutia of Bairagarh.
Kolar area: A sum of Rs 162 crore was spent on the sewage-drainage system in Kolar two years ago. Despite this, residents faced water-logging specially in Nayapura and Lalita Nagar.
Sewage and drainage system was upgraded with investment of Rs 500 crore in state capital and Rs 162 crore in Kolar satellite township. Along with the overflow of drainage and sewage systems, the lack of cleaning of drains is also a major reason for water logging in the city.
