Ludhiana: For the residents of Dhoka Mohalla and Dharampura, Friday brought a haunting sense of déjà vu as toxic, black water flooded their streets — recalling the devastating inundation of July last year.The flooding was triggered by a surge in the Buddha Dariya, which prevented local seasonal runoff from draining. Compounding the crisis is a stalled infrastructure project to cover a nearby seasonal drain. With no retaining wall in place and water levels equalizing between the drain and the asphalt, the road effectively vanished under a murky tide. “In the absence of any retaining wall, it was difficult to distinguish between the road and the drain,” said one witness, describing the hazardous conditions facing commuters and residents alike.
Fault Lines and Failed DeadlinesThe worst-affected neighborhoods — including Ranjit Park, Shivaji Nagar, New Shivaji Nagar, and Dhoka Mohalla — have been caught in a three-year cycle of infrastructure delays. Congress councillor Arun Sharma pointed the finger at incomplete municipal works, claiming that even though the project is nearly finished, a critical 3% remains outstanding. “For over three years, people in these areas have suffered,” Sharma said. “Even with a small amount of rain, they are forced to face black water in the lanes and their houses.”Political Friction as Water RisesThe crisis sparked heated confrontations on Friday as BJP and Congress councillors converged on the site. Local leaders were seen arguing with municipal corporation (MC) officials, demanding the immediate removal of garbage chokes within the drain to lower water levels. By Friday evening, levels had begun to recede slightly. However, a palpable sense of anxiety remains. With the sky still overcast, residents fear that a night of further rainfall could push the toxic overflow into their living rooms once again.
