Ludhiana, Jan. 25 -- Residents of Dhoka Mohalla, Kashmir Nagar, Ranjit Singh Park and adjoining areas were left wading through black, foul-smelling water on Friday after heavy rainfall exposed a long-standing civic problem. A drain passing through the localities overflowed, submerging streets and lanes, leaving behind thick layers of sludge that disrupted normal life on Saturday.

Locals said flooding has become routine over the past three to four years, with every bout of rain bringing similar misery. Despite repeated complaints, they alleged, authorities have failed to provide a permanent solution.

On Saturday morning, streets were coated with slippery, unhygienic silt, forcing pedestrians and commuters to navigate carefully. While the...