Ludhiana Drowns Again: Fresh Rains Overwhelm Buddha Nullah, Residents Outraged

Ludhiana finds itself in a familiar, agonizing predicament once again. Just when residents hoped for a respite, fresh torrential rains have caused the infamous Buddha Nullah to burst its banks, plunging communities along its course into a watery nightmare. Areas like Tajpur Road, Haibowal, and parts of Giaspura are reeling, with floodwaters surging into homes and shops, destroying property and shattering peace of mind.

The city, still recovering from the flooding just weeks ago on August 15, is now grappling with a devastating déjà vu.

The relentless downpour has dramatically elevated the nullah's water levels, turning streets into canals and houses into islands. The sight of submerged vehicles and inundated ground floors has become a tragic, recurring motif for these long-suffering residents.

An palpable wave of anger and frustration is sweeping through the affected localities.

Residents are openly lambasting the authorities, particularly the Ludhiana Smart City Limited (LSCL) and the municipal corporation, accusing them of gross negligence and failed promises. "They claim to have cleaned the nullah, but where is the increased capacity?" questioned a distraught local from Tajpur Road, whose home was once again swallowed by the deluge.

"The banks were supposed to be raised, but nothing substantial has been done. This isn't just an act of nature; it's a failure of governance."

The Rs 650 crore Buddha Dariya project, aimed at the rejuvenation and cleaning of the Buddha Nullah, was heralded as a beacon of hope. Yet, for those living on its edge, it feels like a colossal waste of public money.

"Despite all the talk and grand projects, we are left to face the same disaster every monsoon," lamented another resident from Haibowal. "We need a permanent solution, not just eyewash. Our lives and livelihoods are at stake."

Even official statements offer little comfort. Kamaldeep Singh, Executive Engineer, acknowledged the nullah’s cleaning and widening efforts but pointed to the sheer volume of rain and the persistent issue of waste disposal as exacerbating factors.

"The nullah has the capacity for more water, but heavy rainfall coupled with indiscriminate dumping of waste leads to blockages and overflows," he stated. However, for residents, this explanation rings hollow in the face of repeated devastation.

The political sphere has also seen a rise in demands for accountability.

An Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) councillor from Ward 45 (Tajpur Road) echoed the public's sentiments, demanding immediate and effective action from the administration to mitigate the crisis and prevent future occurrences. With the meteorological department forecasting more rain in the coming days after recording 75mm in the last 24 hours, the fear of further flooding looms large, casting a dark shadow over Ludhiana.

The cries for help from Ludhiana's citizens are not merely pleas for immediate relief; they are urgent calls for a transparent, effective, and sustainable strategy to tame the Buddha Nullah and protect their communities from this annual cycle of despair.