Chandigarh Monsoon Preparations: UT Administration’s Comprehensive Plan to Prevent Flooding and Water-Logging

Chandigarh Monsoon Preparations: UT Administration’s Comprehensive Plan to Prevent Flooding and Water-Logging

Chandigarh, 18 June 2024: In preparation for the upcoming monsoon season, Adviser to the Administrator, Sh. Rajeev Verma, held a detailed review meeting with senior officers of the UT Administration to assess and mitigate potential flooding and water-logging issues. Sh. Verma stressed the importance of meticulous planning and swift execution by all relevant departments, including the Municipal Corporation, Engineering Department, Forest Department, Revenue & Disaster Management Department, and Traffic Police, to prevent a recurrence of the severe flood situation experienced in July 2023.

Deputy Commissioner Vinay Pratap Singh highlighted that on 9-10 July 2023, Chandigarh experienced approximately 450 mm of rainfall within 48 hours—about 40% of the city’s average annual rainfall—resulting in significant water-logging and flood-like conditions. To avert similar issues this year, the cleaning of all three natural drains—Sukhna Choe, N-choe, and Patiala ki Rao—is underway and will be completed by 30th June. Prohibitory orders will be issued to prevent entry into drains, choes, and water bodies.

Additionally, 315 Aapda Mitras will be deployed in neighborhood areas to assist local communities during heavy rainfall and flooding. The Chief Engineer detailed that teams have been formed to address road cave-ins, tree uprootings, and power line disruptions promptly. Efforts to strengthen low-level water causeways at Kishangarh and Bapudham are in progress.

The Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation assured that a 24×7 water-logging and emergency helpline will be operational before 1st July, with dedicated teams ready to address water-logging, tree uprootings, and water supply disruptions. The cleaning of stormwater drains is being conducted on a war footing and will be completed before 1st July.

The Health Secretary outlined preparations to combat vector-borne diseases during the monsoon season. The Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) discussed repairs to water-retention structures in the Sukhna Catchment area to prevent flooding and sedimentation in Sukhna Lake. The Senior Superintendent of Police (Traffic) informed about special traffic duties planned during the monsoon to manage traffic disruptions caused by water-logging and fallen trees.

Adviser Sh. Rajeev Verma directed all officers to supervise preparations personally through spot visits and announced that the next review meeting would be held in ten days to assess progress. The meeting was attended by Home Secretary cum Finance Secretary Sh. Vijay Zade, Deputy Commissioner Sh. Vinay Pratap Singh, Commissioner MC Anindita Mitra, Secretary Health Sh. Ajay Chagti, SSP Traffic, and other officers of the Chandigarh Administration.

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