The mayor pointed out that plastic bags were being found in large quantities inside the drainage lines, which was the main cause of blockages in streets, roads, and sewerage channels. (Created with Meta AI)Following the heavy rainfall that led to water entering several houses in Phase 11, Mayor Amarjit Singh Jeeti Sidhu has initiated a large-scale sewerage and drainage cleaning campaign. The drive is being carried out using government machinery, along with trolleys provided by the Sidhu Foundation, which is run by the Mayor and his brother. The foundation has also deployed its private labour force to ensure speedy cleaning operations, which continued across the area on Tuesday.Inspecting the work on-site, Sidhu said, “Excessive rainfall caused waterlogging in residential areas. Upon inspection, it was found that most drains and sewer lines were choked. Emergency cleaning is being carried out on a war footing to ensure people do not face hardships during future downpours”.He pointed out that plastic bags were being found in large quantities inside the drainage lines, which was the main cause of blockages in streets, roads, and sewerage channels. He appealed to the people of Mohali not to dump plastic bags into streets or sewer lines and to minimise their use, warning that “such practices could create a massive crisis in the future”.Calling the current campaign a temporary relief measure, the Mayor stressed the need for a complete overhaul of the sewerage and drainage system, which, according to him, would require more than Rs 200 crore. He said he has already written to the government for the necessary funding.Targeting the GMADA, the Mayor remarked, “GMADA sells Mohali’s land and earns billions, but does not spend even a single rupee on strengthening the city’s basic infrastructure”. He added that despite limited resources, the Municipal Corporation is working day and night to address people’s grievances.Sidhu urged the government to direct the GMADA to release the corporation’s rightful share of funds so that permanent solutions can be implemented. He also appealed to Mohali’s MLAs to rise above politics and collectively demand the required funds from the state government in the interest of residents.Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd