As rain pours misery, bizmen vent their anger

Ludhiana: City businessmen are up in arms against the municipal corporation and the civic administration after rain caused havoc in industrial areas. The rains, which lashed the city on Thursday afternoon, lasted briefly but led to severe waterlogging in areas like Gill Road, Talab Bazar, Industrial Area, and Focal Point. In some areas, rain water even entered factories, which made businessmen furious.Now, they are demanding MC and the administration to take concrete measures to solve the problem of waterlogging which occurs again and again, even after limited showers in the city.
According to Rajkumar Singla, president of Fasteners Suppliers Association, Ludhiana: “This is a tragic situation for businessmen that even after paying so many taxes, this is what we get. Even a minor spell of rain can bring about a flood-like situation on Gill Road and areas like Muradpura, Vishwkarma Town, and Partap Nagar. Regardless of our constant requests to MC officials, nothing has been done for years in this area, which has a huge number of shops and factories.”
According to Vijay Dadu, president of Ludhiana Tractor Parts and Manufacturers Association (LTMA): “The aftermath of today’s rainfall is a warning sign to authorities that they better keep themselves equipped for the monsoon. Though there is no doubt the rain was heavy, but when we are living in a city like Ludhiana, which is supposed to be a Smart City, the authorities should ensure citizens get the facilities they deserve.”
According to Rajiv Jain, general secretary of United Cycle and Parts Manufacturers Association (UCPMA): “Rains caused havoc in industrial areas like Focal Point, as water even entered our offices. If half an hour of rain can cause so many problems, what will happen when the monsoon arrives with full force. In addition to waterlogging in all industrial areas, water entered a large number of factories today, causing huge damage to stock.”
According to Amarjit Singh Swan, president of Ludhiana Sewing Machine Industries Association: “The entire Lakkar Bazar got submerged in water today after rainfall. The same story takes places after every short spell of rain, but unfortunately, businessmen can do nothing but watch the damage take place helplessly. We request both MC and the state government to take note of the problem and ensure necessary steps to overcome it.”