Panchkula, Aug. 28 -- Panchkula's Industrial Area is reeling under crumbling roads with large potholes filled with sludge, dusty and waterlogged stretches posing a major threat to commuters. A recent on-site inspection by the HT revealed that both main and internal roads in Phases 1 and 2 are in a deplorable state. The poor conditions are not only a source of public harassment but are also causing significant damage to vehicles and goods being transported. The entry to Industrial Area, Phase-1, from the Baltana side is almost impassable. The roads just outside the underpass are severely damaged, with large potholes and crumbling asphalt extending throughout the area. Similarly, a large patch on the road near the Haryana Transport Department workshop in Phase-2 is completely ruined and filled with dirty water and garbage. Drivers navigate this turn with extreme caution. Industrialists are voicing their frustration over the municipal authorities' carelessness. Aadesh Gupta, a manager at a Phase-1 plot, stated that persistent waterlogging at the main entrance from the Zirakpur flyover is forcing commuters to take longer, alternative routes, severely disrupting business operations. He attributes the problem to a blocked stormwater pipe and confirmed that a written complaint was submitted to the municipal corporation (MC) commissioner on May 30, but no action has been taken. An MC official acknowledged the issue, stating that while the road was repaired last year, a stormwater pipe was never installed and an estimate is now being prepared. The situation is equally dire on the major road in Industrial Area, Phase-2, which connects Panchkula and Chandigarh. Almost half of the road is blocked by large, rain-filled potholes, leading to frequent traffic jams on this busy route. An ambulance was even seen stuck there on August 21, highlighting the life-threatening risks. Local shopkeepers have confirmed that these potholes have been a long-standing issue, and a nearby road is similarly blocked with muddy water. Frustrated by the lack of official action, some business owners have resorted to desperate measures. Harsh Goyal, owner of an automobile company, recently instructed his employees to use tiles from outside his plot to fill a large pothole on a rainy day to help commuters. He said he has witnessed many auto-rickshaws overturn and that drivers are often forced to choose longer alternate routes to avoid the treacherous road. Shopkeepers are complaining that despite paying various taxes, civic authorities have failed them, and the damaged roads are ruining their businesses. Additionally, pedestrians and labourers are forced to walk alongside plots where exposed electricity poles and wires present a risk of unfortunate incidents. Rohit Kanwar, a superintending engineer (SE) at the Haryana State Industrial & Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC), stated that a tender for patchwork in the Industrial Area had been issued and a work order was given. "Due to the recent rains, the repair work could not begin. We will commence the repair work by September," he added....