Haryana cabinet minister Anil Vij has taken strict measures to ensure proper drainage in the Ambala Cantonment industrial area following protests and objections from residents. The area had been suffering from waterlogging due to heavy rains and overflowing Tangri river waters, which disrupted business operations and daily life for locals and industrialists alike.
The issue escalated when industrialists met Minister Vij to express concern over the slow pace of drainage work. On Sunday, a group of residents blocked a section of the Ambala-Saha road (NH-444A) fearing that newly installed drainage pipes might waterlog their streets again. Some pipes and other construction materials were damaged during the protest, forcing officials to halt work temporarily.
On Monday, Anil Vij chaired a detailed meeting with heads of various departments, the deputy commissioner Ajay Tomar, and superintendent of police Ajit Singh Shekhawat to address the situation. Officials were asked to report on the most affected areas and explain the measures already taken to improve drainage.
During the meeting, Vij emphasized that water should be drained efficiently from the industrial area without affecting nearby residential colonies. He devised a comprehensive plan assigning responsibilities to different departments, ensuring that the drainage system is implemented in a coordinated manner.
The minister later personally visited the Ambala Cantonment industrial area to inspect the ongoing work. Officials explained that drainage pipes will now be installed underground to avoid objections from residents and to prevent future waterlogging. A survey team has also been formed to develop a long-term plan to manage water flow and protect the area from floods.
The protests by local residents highlighted the tension between industrial development and residential safety. Residents feared that previous drainage systems had caused water to back up into streets, flooding homes and making movement difficult. Industrialists, on the other hand, stressed that waterlogging was affecting factories, workshops, and warehouses, resulting in financial losses and work delays.
Minister Vij clarified that both concerns are valid and must be addressed simultaneously. “The drainage work had started at full pace, but residents’ objections delayed the process,” Vij said. He assured locals that the revised plan will ensure that water does not flow into residential colonies while improving drainage in industrial zones. The underground installation of pipes will also reduce the chances of further protests and conflicts.
The state administration has also set up a monitoring team to oversee the progress of the drainage project. This team will regularly inspect sites, ensure timely completion, and report directly to the minister. Departments including Public Works, Urban Local Bodies, and Water Resources have been given specific responsibilities to implement the plan efficiently.
Officials emphasized that short-term fixes are not enough. The Ambala Cantonment industrial area requires a long-term drainage and flood management plan to prevent similar issues in the future. The survey team will map water flow patterns, identify low-lying areas, and propose improvements to existing drainage channels.
Minister Vij directed the teams to ensure that construction and installation work follows safety and engineering standards. He also instructed officials to coordinate with local residents and industrialists to avoid conflicts during future maintenance or expansion work.
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The Haryana government hopes that the underground pipe installation and improved planning will permanently resolve waterlogging issues. The administration also plans to create awareness among residents and factory owners about proper drainage management, such as avoiding disposal of waste in water channels, which often causes blockages.
With these measures, Ambala Cantonment industrial area is expected to become safer and more efficient for both residents and businesses. Minister Vij’s proactive approach, combining on-ground inspection, planning, and coordination, is aimed at preventing further protests while ensuring smooth industrial operations.
Officials are confident that if the plan is executed effectively, Ambala will no longer face disruptive flooding during heavy rains, protecting both livelihoods and homes.
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