The waterlogging occurred within minutes of the rainfall, disrupting normal business and forcing shopkeepers to rush to protect their goods from water damage.
“This was not even heavy rain. If moderate rain can flood the market, one can only imagine what will happen when the monsoon becomes stronger,” said a trader, expressing frustration over the recurring problem.
The flooding has raised serious questions about the effectiveness of the pre-monsoon desilting and drain-cleaning works that the MMC had claimed were completed before the rainy season.
Residents and traders pointed out that if such conditions prevail after the first showers, the situation could become much worse during prolonged spells of rain.
“Today the water was ankle-deep on the roads. Tomorrow it could spill onto the footpaths and enter shops if heavier rains continue,” said a concerned shop owner.
Only weeks ago, the municipal body had expressed confidence in its monsoon preparedness, saying that drains had been cleaned and necessary preventive measures had been taken.
The roads within the market were also recently hot-mixed, a move expected to improve convenience for commuters and withstand the monsoon. However, the first test of the season appears to have exposed gaps in the preparations.
“The claims made by the civic body now stand exposed. If drains had been cleaned properly, why did the market flood after just one spell of moderate rain?” asked a local resident.
The incident has put the MMC leadership under scrutiny, with many demanding accountability for the apparent failure of pre-monsoon works. Traders argued that public money spent on drain cleaning and monsoon preparedness should lead to visible results on the ground.
With the monsoon expected to strengthen in the coming weeks, residents are demanding immediate corrective measures and answers from the municipal administration.
