Stormwater project disrupts businesses, irks Sirsa residents

In Sirsa, the Stormwater Project, intended to manage rainwater drainage, has turned into a major problem for city residents. Despite spending Rs 37 crore on its first phase, the city has not seen any improvement in rainwater drainage. The project’s poor execution has raised serious concerns and a probe is currently underway in this connection.

The third phase of the project, which began about a month-and-a-half-ago, involves laying pipes from Ambedkar Chowk to Parshuram Chowk. However, this has made life difficult for local residents. The ongoing construction work has disrupted their businesses and they are struggling with traffic jams and deep ditches dug on streets. Shopkeepers have expressed doubts about whether the project would even resolve the rainwater drainage issue once completed or not. Local shopkeeper Devender Kumar shared that due to laying of pipes between Ambedkar Chowk and Parshuram Chowk drinking water pipes had burst. Despite assurances that pipes would be fixed, the situation remained unresolved, leaving shopkeepers without water for days’ altogether, he said.

Other residents also complained about broken water pipes due to digging work. As a result, they did not have access to drinking water, residents said. Just a week ago, they held a protest demanding the restoration of water connections, but no action was taken so far. They said contractors were blaming the Municipal Council (MC), while the civic body blamed public health officials, and the Public Health Department was passing on the blame to the Public Works Department.

The Stormwater Project was mired in controversy, with allegations of corruption during the first phase. Experts have raised questions over the work being done in the third phase as well. The project requires concrete bedding beneath pipes to prevent sinking, along with walls and a slab above pipes. However, the contractor is allegedly laying pipes directly on soil, which could cause leakage and road collapse in the future. Local residents have urged for an immediate investigation to ensure the project is executed as per the approved plans.

In response to these concerns, Municipal Commissioner Surendra Beniwal claimed that the Stormwater Project was progressing under proper supervision. This project aimed at alleviating waterlogging issue in the city, he said. The project was in its third phase, with the first two already completed, he said.

Beniwal said the third phase, costing over Rs 34 crore, covers 22 km, starting from Surkhab Chowk and extended till Ghaggar River. Work began in November 2024 and was expected to finish by November 2025, he said.

While acknowledging the inconvenience caused by the project, Beniwal said it was important for the city’s improvement. He confirmed that no complaints had been received regarding the project, while adding that prompt action would be taken if any issue was raised.

Haryana Tribune