The tricity region of Chandigarh, Panchkula, and Mohali has been experiencing an unusual and intense spell of rain this week. Continuous rainfall since Sunday has caused waterlogging, traffic problems, and risks of flooding in several areas. To control the rising water level, the authorities opened two floodgates of Sukhna Lake on Wednesday morning for the ninth time this monsoon, which is a record.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Chandigarh recorded 63.6 mm of rain overnight until 8.30 am on Wednesday. More rain and thunderstorms were expected during the day, adding to the worry of residents. The western disturbance interacting with the monsoon system was behind this heavy rainfall, but officials said the system may weaken from Thursday onwards.
With heavy rainfall in the catchment areas, the water level of Sukhna Lake crossed the danger mark of 1,163 feet. To release the excess water, the Chandigarh administration opened two out of the three floodgates on Wednesday. The first was opened around 7.30 am, and the second gate followed at 9 am. The released water flowed into the Ghaggar river through the Sukhna Choe stream. This was the ninth time this season that the floodgates had to be opened, showing the severity of this year’s monsoon.
The excess water also affected nearby bridges and water channels. In places like Bapu Dham in Sector 26, water was seen flowing over bridges, making travel risky. In Mohali’s Phase 11, commuters had to drive through waterlogged roads, and many vehicles moved slowly to avoid breakdowns.
District Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav issued strict orders to keep people away from water bodies like Sukhna Choe and Patiala Ki Rao, which were flowing at dangerous levels. The Ghaggar river was also in spate, raising concerns of flooding in low-lying areas. Entry to these risky zones was banned to prevent accidents.
Education was also impacted by the situation. The Chandigarh administration ordered the closure of all schools in the city on Wednesday. In Mohali, all educational institutions were already shut until Thursday. In Panchkula, Deputy Commissioner Monica Gupta directed schools in Morni block, Barwala, Pinjore, and Raipur Rani blocks to remain closed on Wednesday for the safety of students.
The continuous downpour has set new records for September rainfall in Chandigarh. On Monday, the city received 76.5 mm overnight and another 23.4 mm during the day, making it the wettest September day in the last three years. On Tuesday, the observatory in Sector 39 recorded 43 mm of rainfall, with 40.8 mm falling overnight.
This heavy rainfall has caused severe waterlogging across the tricity, affecting daily life and damaging infrastructure. In one incident, a road section between Sector 5 and Sector 26 near the Chandigarh Golf Course caved in, disrupting traffic and raising safety concerns. Many residential areas and markets also struggled with waterlogged streets, forcing people to wade through knee-deep water.
The IMD has placed Chandigarh under a yellow alert for Wednesday, warning of continued light to moderate rainfall on September 4 and 5. While the rainfall may decrease slightly, the ground is already saturated, so even moderate showers may worsen the flooding problem.
The weather has also influenced temperatures. The minimum temperature in Chandigarh dropped to 21.6°C on Wednesday, compared to 21.9°C on Tuesday. This was 3.7°C below the normal level for this time of year, giving residents some relief from humidity but adding to the discomfort caused by damp conditions.
Since Sunday, the tricity has not seen a break from rain. The activity peaked on Monday, which recorded the highest rainfall in September in recent years. The heavy downpour for four straight days has stretched emergency services, created transportation delays, and caused disruptions in schools and offices.
Residents have shared their struggles with water entering basements and houses, while shopkeepers in low-lying markets faced losses as rainwater entered their shops. Roads became slippery, and potholes developed in several places, adding to the hazards for motorists and pedestrians.
For many people, commuting turned into a challenge. Those travelling from Panchkula to Chandigarh or from Mohali to Chandigarh faced delays due to flooded roads. Public buses also moved slower than usual, and rickshaws had to avoid certain stretches that were under water.
Despite the difficulties, the administration is trying to manage the situation by opening floodgates, diverting traffic from risky stretches, and issuing advisories to citizens. Officials have urged residents to stay indoors during heavy rainfall, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay away from overflowing drains, nullahs, and rivers.
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While the IMD expects the western disturbance to weaken from Thursday, light to moderate rain will continue for a few more days. The Chandigarh administration is maintaining a close watch on the situation, especially on the rising water levels of Sukhna Lake and the Ghaggar river. With more rainfall in the forecast, officials are prepared for further water release if the levels rise again.
For now, residents of Chandigarh, Panchkula, and Mohali remain on alert as the monsoon continues to challenge normal life. The unprecedented rainfall has highlighted the city’s vulnerability to waterlogging and flooding, and the coming days will show how well the administration can balance safety with relief measures.
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