Ludhiana, Sept. 14 -- Even as floodwaters have receded in most parts of Punjab, residents of several localities in Ludhiana are grappling with a new crisis: overflowing sewer water flooding their streets and homes. The problem, which has submerged areas like Dharampura, Ram Nagar, Janakpuri, Hargobind Nagar, and New Shivaji Nagar, is a result of a major blockage in the main sewer line. This has left over 40,000 residents of Wards 79 and 80 in distress.

The situation escalated on Saturday when foul water, often referred to as 'kala pani,' began gushing from manholes, leaving homes submerged in up to three feet of sewage. Civic officials believe a choke in the sewer line, possibly caused by a buried or missing manhole, has led to a build-u...