Did Heavy Rain Bring Gurugram to a Standstill?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Severe rainfall led to extensive waterlogging in Gurugram.
- Key roads were submerged, disrupting traffic.
- Local authorities faced criticism for inadequate pre-monsoon preparedness.
- Residents expressed frustration over recurring flooding issues.
- Immediate response included traffic management by local police.
Gurugram, May 2 (NationPress) A short yet powerful rainstorm on Friday morning completely disrupted life in Gurugram, highlighting the empty assurances of pre-monsoon readiness from the district administration, the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG), the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA), and other civic bodies.
The rain began at approximately 5 a.m., intensifying dramatically within a quarter of an hour, resulting in extensive waterlogging throughout the city.
Major roads and residential neighborhoods were quickly inundated, with some areas experiencing water levels of 3-4 feet, severely hindering both vehicle and foot traffic. Several trees were uprooted, leading to power outages and exacerbating the situation.
The morning rush hour was significantly impacted, with police struggling to control traffic in areas inundated with knee-deep water. The Delhi-Jaipur-Mumbai highway also faced major disruptions.
The most affected areas included Hero Honda Chowk, Basai Road, Medanta Underpass, Galleria Market, Signature Tower, Huda City Centre, Iffco Chowk, Sector 14, Vatika Chowk, and Sheetla Mata Mandir.
It was estimated that nearly 65 percent of the city was submerged under an average of 2.5 feet of water.
In spite of the turmoil, the traffic police responded promptly. A senior traffic officer stated, “We were on alert as storm clouds gathered and took our positions as soon as the rain began.”
“Managing traffic in such conditions is challenging, but we are doing our utmost,” he added.
Residents shared their frustrations regarding this recurring problem, with local resident Ram Chandra commenting, “The various agencies in Gurugram have no effective solutions for waterlogging.”
Many took to social media to post images of the flooded streets and traffic delays.
Office workers and schoolchildren also faced significant hardships due to traffic disruptions.
Sandeep Kumar, a spokesperson for the Gurugram Police, added, “Traffic personnel have been stationed at major intersections to facilitate smoother movement.”