Tewari writes to Chandigarh Administrator over losses caused by Patiala Ki Rao flooding, seeks girdawari and permanent solution

Tewari writes to Chandigarh Administrator over losses caused by Patiala Ki Rao flooding, seeks girdawari and permanent solution

Bahadurjeet Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ Chandigarh, September 14,2025

Chandigarh MP and former Union Minister Manish Tewari has written a letter to the Administrator of the Union Territory and Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria regarding the damages caused by flooding of Patiala Ki Rao in Chandigarh’s villages Daddumajra and Dhanas. In his letter, Tewari demanded girdawari (assessment of crop losses) as well as proposed a permanent solution to the problem.

Tewari stated that he re visited both Daddumajra and Dhanas villages which were affected by the flooding of Patiala Ki Rao last Saturday- 6th September 2025 .

He said that agricultural land in Daddumajra had been severely damaged due to the entry of silt and polluted water into the fields.

During his visit, he also studied in detail the potential of developing the  banks of Patiala Ki Rao on the western extremity of Chandigarh into a well-planned and aesthetically maintained area.

He reminded that from 2019 to 2024, he represented the Sri Anandpur Sahib parliamentary constituency, which also included surrounding areas of Chandigarh such as Nayagaon.

Highlighting that a permanent solution is possible, he stressed that proper drainage of Patiala Ki Rao—from Nayagaon up to Daddumajra bridge and further downstream—must be ensured. Removal of weeds, shrubs, debris, vegetation, and other solid waste that obstruct the flow of water can widen its course and restore its natural flow.

He further suggested enhancing the water-carrying capacity of Patiala Ki Rao by desilting from Nayagaon to the exit point of the river within Chandigarh. This would involve removing silt and mud deposits, strengthening embankments, and fortifying the slopes. He also proposed the development of scenic walking tracks with decorative lighting along both banks.

Additionally, he urged raising the height of the bridge connecting Dhanas village to Punjab’s Toga village to enable farmers to access their lands on the other side of the river.

He stressed the need for preparing a PERT chart, sharing it publicly, and monitoring progress through fortnightly reports.

Tewari also demanded immediate girdawari of flood-affected farmland so that farmers could be compensated for their losses.

He flagged another urgent issue of swamp formation caused by leachate seeping from the Dadumajra garbage dump, which poses a health hazard to Dhanas residents. He sought immediate action for its removal.

He said that if the project is prioritized and implemented on these lines, a sustainable and permanent solution could soon be achieved.

Despite Chandigarh Administration receiving Rs 6,100 crore annually from the central budget and an additional Rs 10,000–12,000 crore routed to centrally government institutions in the city—including PGI, Panjab University, Punjab Engineering College, CSIO, and various defense establishments—Tewari assured that he would also contribute from his MPLADS fund to ensure the project comes to fruition.

He urged the Administrator to direct the Chandigarh Administration to initiate and implement the project without delay.