Fatehgarh: Drains clogged, trouble due to rain in Fatehgarh Sahib, Sirhind areas

Fatehgarh: Life in Sirhind-Fatehgarh Sahib town was thrown out of gear due to rains as rainwater entered not only the low lying areas but almost every lane and locality of the town, exposing the tall claims of the Municipal Council. Alarmed residents alleged that the municipal authorities failed to resolve the issue as the drainage system got completely blocked, leading to waterlogging in lanes and houses.

However, Municipal Council Sirhind-Fatehgarh Sahib chairman Ashok Sood claimed that the responsibility of sewerage and drainage system lies with the Punjab State Water Supply and Sewerage Board. He said the council has purchased a machine at a cost of Rs 55 lakh and a resolution has been passed to give it to the board for cleaning drains and sewer lines before the monsoon begins. He said the XEN and SDO of the board were informed about the machine and asked to get the cleaning work done, but to no avail. It is noteworthy that the contract for sewer maintenance was given to Noida-based company GDCL, and it appointed a private contractor for this work. The private contractor has hired only 15 to 20 employees to clean the sewer lines of the entire city. There are too few employees for the work.