Delayed rains save MC from embarrassment

The only saving grace is that monsoon has not been as adequate this time and saved the MC from much embarrassment.

The cleaning work of a 14-km stretch of the drain started a week ago,only after the MC deposited Rs 20 lakh with the drainage department.

The MC has put four ditch machines in place,which will work overtime to clean the 14-km stretch.

But MC authorities claim that the work started well in time and one round has been completed while the remaining filth is being taken out at present.

The waste in the form of garbage,waste clothes (thrown by hosiery industrialists),leather (of shoemakers),and many other things are being fished out these days.

The nallah,which is choked near Bajwa Nagar,Chander Nagar Puli,is under heavy current of drain water near Haibowal. More rains may spell doom for residents living in its vicinity.

Rajinder Singh,executive engineer,Drainage department,however,said,“The work is being done by our mechanical department team based at Nangal. And if it does not rain for a few more days,our work would be done.”

More funds sought

Apart from cleaning the 14-km stretch,no thought has been spared to clean the downstream nallah (away MC limits) which is 17-km in length. At a meeting in Chandigarh today,the Punjab State Science and Technology department officials have told the drainage officials that they will ask the Finance department to fund money for its cleanliness.

Rajinder Singh,who attended the meeting said,”Once the money comes,cleaning of the downstream drain will resume.”

Till now,a tussle was going on between the MC and Drainage department as to who will fund it. Singh,however,admitted that it is too late to start the downstream cleanliness.