Chandigarh’s Mohali is facing a multifaceted crisis, with various challenges unfolding simultaneously.
Residents of Aerocity Stage Protest, Block Airport Road Due to Lack of Power and Water Supply
Residents in Mohali’s Sectors 117, 118, 119, and 74A of TDI City Express Concerns over Sewage Drainage, Inadequate Power Supply, and Water Shortages Persisting for Three Days. Expressing their frustration, residents and the Residents Welfare Association staged a protest. Leading to a traffic jam on the airport road, targeting TDI managers and the administration. Periwinkle Garewal, the S.H.O. of Balongi police station, arrived at the scene and urged the protesters not to obstruct the road completely. Subsequently, the protesters allowed traffic to pass on one side while blocking the other.
Damage to Bridges and Roads Due to Water Discharge into Sukhna Choe in Chandigarh
Water discharge into the Sukhna Choe has severely damaged two bridges at Kishangarh and Bapu Dham. Consequently, these roads have been closed to public movement. Yesterday, the Sector 14/15 road collapsed, and it remains inaccessible. Traffic is being diverted from the P.G.I. Chowk. The Municipal Corporation (MC) has erected barricades around the pit on the Sector 17/22 road, where a tree fell yesterday. The constant rain has caused extensive damage to streets across the city, with two trees uprooted at the Mattaur Chowk and on the Sector 10/11 road.
In another incident, a bridge on Sukhna Choe in Baltana suffered damage following the release of water from the lake. Officials have assessed the roads where portions have caved in and plan to float short-term tenders to carry out necessary repairs. Mayor Anup Gupta and Commissioner Anindita Mitra visited the site in Mani Majra. Where the central canal water supply was affected. Engineers at the location stated that the pipeline. Suffered significant damage due to the forceful impact of water released from the Sukhna. Consequently, the water supply to the entire area of Mani Majra has been disrupted.
Mohali Administration Establishes 22 Evacuation Centers for Flood and Rain-Affected Individuals
In response to the floods and heavy rains, the Mohali administration has set up 22 evacuation centers across the district. These centers aim to provide relief and medical assistance to the affected individuals. Over the past three days, the district health department has been organizing medical camps at various locations to cater to the healthcare needs of the people.
Dr. Mahesh Kumar, the Civil Surgeon of Mohali, and Dr. Subhash Kumar, the Nodal Officer for Flood Relief, stated, “Medical camps have been conducted at 22 centers throughout the district. Government health institutions in the district have also arranged to offer quality healthcare services to patients who visit these facilities.” They further mentioned that most residents are expected to move back to their relatives’ homes after a day or two. The camps primarily accommodate migrant laborers, their families, and underprivileged individuals. So far, there have been no reported casualties, according to health department officials. The medical team from Mohali Civil Hospital is providing aid at Rain Basera in Phase 6 and Phase-11. Essential medicines, O.R.S. packets, and medical examinations and treatments are being provided to the residents of Daon village. Rapid Response Teams have also been deployed to offer immediate medical assistance to those in need.
- Mubarikpur.
- Rain Basera opposite Dara Studio.
- Daun village.
- Shiv Mandir, Daun.
- Badhmajra.
- Jujhar Nagar.
- Vishwakarma Mandir, Kurali.
- Jashan Palace, Lalru.
Price Surge in Chandigarh’s Vegetable and Fruit Market Amidst Three-Day Rainfall
The continuous rainfall lasting for three days in Chandigarh has sharply increased vegetable and fruit prices, while mandis (wholesale markets) experience a significant supply shortage. Cauliflower and tomato prices have soared to Rs 200 per kg, with bottled gourd and zucchini reaching Rs 100 per kg (depending on quality) at the Sector 26 market. Although wholesale prices for these vegetables remain low, consumers face higher costs as vendors attribute the surge to the adverse impact of heavy rainfall.
The tomato shortage is particularly severe, as the rains have affected crops and transportation routes. Consequently, the supply could be much better. Cauliflower is being sold at Rs 200 or Rs 100 per kg, depending on quality, while tomatoes are priced between Rs 200 and Rs 300 per kg. Ashutosh, a vendor, expressed his belief that the prices will continue to be affected for the next 20 days due to rain-induced infrastructure damage.
Alongside vegetables, the prices of fruits have also experienced a significant surge. A dozen bananas were sold at Rs 90, while apples were priced at Rs 140 per kg. Pomegranates were available at Rs 220 per kg (depending on quality). The impact of heavy rainfall is cited as the reason for these price increases in the fruit market.
Mohali Administration Prepares to Repair Breaches in Ghaggar After Water Recedes
Once the water levels recede, The Mohali administration prepares to address the breaches in the Ghaggar River, particularly in Alamgir village and other affected areas. While fields have been submerged, officials have assured that houses remain safe. The breach has impacted nearby towns, including Alamgir, Sadhawala, Dandehra, Khajur Mandi, Tiwana, Bahora, and Bahori. During her visits to Alamgir, Sarsini, and Khajur Mandi, the Deputy Commissioner assured the residents, emphasizing the support from the administration. The DC also promised to assess the crop losses once the water recedes.
Closure of Bird Park in U.T. Administration due to Waterlogging and Maintenance Work
The UT Administration has announced the temporary closure of the Bird Park to the public from July 12 to 16. This decision is attributed to the waterlogging caused by heavy rainfall and the need for maintenance work. According to a senior officer, repairing damaged infrastructure is estimated to take approximately two to three days.
CCI Delegation Meets Senior M.H.A. Officer, Highlights Concerns Regarding Chandigarh Industries
A Chamber of Chandigarh Industries (CCI) delegation recently met with a senior officer from the Ministry of Home Affairs (M.H.A.) in New Delhi. During the meeting, the board presented a representation addressing various issues concerning the industries in Chandigarh. In a letter addressed to the U.T. Administrator and senior officials of the Administration, Surinder Gupta, President of the Chamber of Chandigarh Industries, expressed that the M.H.A. officer attentively listened as they extensively discussed the concerns. Surprisingly, the M.H.A. officer informed the delegation that the Chandigarh Administration had yet to raise these highlighted issues with his office. However, a senior officer from the U.T. administration expressed bewilderment over these remarks, emphasizing that the U.T. administration has been raising issues concerning the city with the M.H.A. on numerous occasions. The officer added that several senior-level meetings have occurred regarding these matters.
Gupta reiterated that their concerns are valid and not solely confined to industrialists but also affect the residents of Chandigarh at large. He emphasized three key issues the business community faced:
- The conversion of plots from leasehold to freehold.
- The misuse of violation notices.
- The implementation of the MSMED Act 2006.
Postponement of Punjab University Sports Trials, Counselling Sessions, and Examinations Due to Heavy Rainfall
Punjab University has announced the indefinite postponement of several sports trials, counseling sessions, and examinations initially scheduled to occur before July 14. This decision has been made in light of the continuous rainfall in the region, which has led to travel disruptions and restricted access to the venues where these events were planned to be conducted. Students and candidates are advised to stay updated on the latest developments by regularly checking the official university website for a revised schedule.
Conclusion
The Chandigarh-Mohali a multifaceted crisis resulting from heavy rainfall has posed significant challenges for residents and the local administration. Issues such as power outages, water supply disruptions, damaged infrastructure, and increased prices of essential commodities have affected people’s daily lives in the region. The administration has been actively working to address the crisis by restoring services, repairing infrastructure, and providing relief to the affected individuals. Residents must stay informed, follow official instructions, and prioritize safety during this challenging time. By taking necessary precautions and staying connected with local authorities, we can together navigate this crisis and work towards a swift recovery.
FAQs
How has the heavy rainfall affected the prices of essential commodities in Chandigarh-Mohali?
The heavy rain has led to a significant increase in the prices of essential commodities such as vegetables and fruits, impacting the affordability and availability of these items for the residents.
How can residents stay updated on the latest developments regarding the Chandigarh-Mohali crisis?
It is recommended to follow official announcements from the local administration, check local news sources, and stay connected to official social media channels for updates on the ongoing crisis.
What precautions should residents take to ensure their safety during heavy rainfall and related emergencies?
- Stay informed through news and weather websites
- Avoid unnecessary travel
- Stay away from flooded areas
- Emergency supplies and essential items like non-perishable food, drinking water, flashlights, batteries, and a first aid kit.
- Follow evacuation orders
- Stay away from power lines and electrical equipment
- Stay connected through the internet
- Help those in need
Are any helpline numbers available for residents to seek assistance during the crisis?
- Police Control Room112, or 0172-2749194, or 0172-2744100
- Fire Station ( Sec 17. )101, 2702333
- Ambulance102 , 2782457
- Blood Bank (P.G.I.) 2756480
- Women Helpline 1091, 0172-2741174
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