The Aman Sandesh Times
Mohali : Once hailed as the ‘Pride of Punjab’, Mohali city is slowly turning into the ‘City of Potholes’, stated SAD Mohali Constituency leader and In-charge Parvinder Singh Sohana. The incessant and rains in the last few days in the city submerged many roads, and what is left is a long trail of potholed roads throughout the Mohali City, the pothole-riddled Mohali city roads has added to the woes of the commuters who are already reeling with the issue of water logging at almost every corner of the city roads.
Despite its proximity to the well-planned and prosperous City of Beautiful Chandigarh, it won’t be wrong to say that Mohali continues to remain the ‘Poor Cousin of Chandigarh’ in terms of basic amenities all thanks to the lackadaisical approach of Mohali Municipal Corporation reasons best known to officials and elected representatives said SAD leader Parvinder Singh Sohana.
While elaborating the works carried out by Akali Dal in MOhali Parvinder Sohana added that during its rule in the state SAD had not only planned the orderly and scientific expansion of Mohali but had also created world-class infrastructure and institutions and added that the International Airport established in Mohali by the previous SAD government had resulted in the speedy development of Mohali and resulted in an increase in commerce besides connectivity with the outside world, but unfortunately the present Government has failed miserably to maintain what was handed over. Sohana added that it was former Dy CM who had himself persuaded industry heads to establish the Indian School of Business in Mohali while adding the previous SAD governments were behind the establishment of the world-famous IISER and the Institute of Nano Science and Technology in Mohali.
Recent rains have made Mohali roads difficult to maneuver, for both pedestrians and vehicle users. Commuters now find themselves negotiating pockmarked roads as they are forced to wade through inundated roads. The poor conditions of the roads are not only affecting the adults but also school children who have to commute to school daily.
Some of the areas that are badly affected include roads in Industrial Area Phase 7, Roads opposite to Punjab Electricity Board Industrial Area office, and roads leading from Balongi towards Phase 11.
SAD leader Sohana stated that “If the Municipal Corporation falls short in carrying out its duties, it is the role of the local MLA and other leaders to press the civil body in carrying out the repair work and resolving other public concerns but it seems like non of the leaders are interested with the problems concerning public, and added if required will move to the court in interest of Mohali residents.”
“A simple commute to work has become dangerous for us due to potholes. The issue of potholes is not something Municipal Corporations should sit on. It is directly affecting the life of city residents and is a major safety concern,” residents said.
Presently the city has become “stagnant” infrastructure development in Mohali and “lack of funds” and had also raised concerns about the “deteriorating” law-and-order situation in the city.
Former Mohali MC Ashok Jha alleged that encroachments, un-authorised constructions are obstructing the free flow of water and officials of Mohali MC has failed to take any action. Senior BJP Leader Ashok Jha said that Flooded roads and potholes are creating problems for commuters in the city in the rainy season in particular but non of the official seems to be concerned about it.
The recent rains have once again exposed the pathetic condition of the civic properties in many areas under the Mohali Municipal Corporation limits.
Jha added the deteriorating condition of the roads in Mohali is causing significant challenges for regular commuters and it is pertinent to mention here that several roads in Mohali has developed large craters and potholes at several points, making travel hazardous.
“After the rains, the road surface eroded, creating large potholes. It has become difficult for people to navigate, and there is always a risk of accidents,” complained Jha and said the situation has worsened after the rains, with large puddles forming at several places. At night, the danger is even more pronounced,” he said and had urged the authorities to take immediate action to repair the roads and alleviate the risks posed to daily commuters.
