Jalandhar, July 23 -- A heavy spell of rain on Tuesday brought Jalandhar to a standstill as major city roads turned into streams, exposing the chronic problem of poor drainage and lack of preparedness by the municipal authorities. With water levels reaching up to three feet in many areas, traffic was paralysed, shops were forced to shut, and frustrated residents were left wading through yet another episode of civic failure.

Torrential rains inundated both market and residential areas across the city, severely disrupting daily life. The worst-hit zones included 120 Feet Road, Central Town, Master Tara Singh Nagar, Urban Estate, Danishmandi, Sodal Road, Preet Nagar Road, Ladowali Road, Basti Adda Road, Domoria Bridge, Basti Sheikh, New Rai...