Persistent road digging work in Patiala leaves residents fuming

Long-standing issue of incomplete road repairs continues to disrupt daily life in the city. Roads dug up last year for the 24x7 surface water project remain unrepaired. Now, the company assigned the work has started digging newly laid roads in posh residential colonies, sparking outrage among residents.

The latest digging work has punctured underground water pipelines at many places, hitting the supply.

With the festive season underway, residents are upset over the disruption. The digging has not only hindered daily activities but also intensified vehicular pollution in the affected areas.

Elderly citizens have voiced concerns over the hazardous conditions, as walking on the uneven, slippery roads poses a risk of slipping and injury.

Flying dust from dug-up roads causes respiratory issues. Dust could be seen gathered in the houses nearby. It has become a routine for the residents to remove dust gathered in the open areas of their houses and cars.

The school children are seen negotiating through potholed roads each day. Those travelling on school buses and auto-rickshaws have no escape but to suffer a bumpy ride.

The roads were originally dug up over a year ago for the 24x7 canal-based drinking water supply project but were left in a state of neglect, leading to bumpy rides and health hazards.

Residents in upscale areas like Ajit Nagar, Bank Colony, Hira Nagar, Brar Street, Majithia Enclave and Dhariwal Colony are affected.

“Every morning, there’s a layer of dust on our vehicles and porches. It’s unbearable for people with bronchitis, asthma, or dust allergies,” said Jaspal Kaur, a resident of Ajit Nagar.

Dr Pankaj Mohindru, a professor at Punjabi University and an Ajit Nagar resident, said, “It’s been over a year since the roads were dug up, and they’re still awaiting repairs. The condition is so bad that it’s nearly impossible to walk, let alone drive.”

The situation has grown dire even near the official residences of senior district officials, including the Deputy Commissioner and the Senior Superintendent of Police. These areas frequently witness traffic jams due to the dug-up roads. Recent rains have made conditions even worse by turning the roads slippery.