Why Is Delhi CM Criticizing Officials During Visit to Waterlogged Majnu Ka Tila?

Synopsis
Delhi faces severe waterlogging following unexpected rainfall, prompting CM Rekha Gupta to demand immediate action from officials. Tragedy strikes as a family is tragically affected by falling debris, while rising water levels disrupt daily life and transportation.
Key Takeaways
- Immediate action is required to address flooding.
- Tragic incidents highlight the need for better infrastructure.
- Government agencies must coordinate effectively during emergencies.
- Public safety guidelines should be reinforced.
- Long-term solutions are essential to prevent future disasters.
New Delhi, May 2 (NationPress) Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta conducted a visit to the Majnu ka Tila locality on Friday to evaluate the flooded areas following heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in the national capital.
Expressing her frustration, CM Gupta remarked that “things won't function like this,” and urged officials and departments to take prompt action wherever waterlogging is reported.
“Inspect the affected areas immediately,” she instructed the officials. “Where are the PWD officials?” she inquired.
Simultaneously, Delhi Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Parvesh Verma assessed the situation at Minto Bridge.
In a post on X, he stated, “Today, due to unseasonal record rainfall, water accumulated in several locations across Delhi. I began my inspections at 5:30 am and visited multiple sites. At Minto Bridge, I found all four pumps operational and the operator alert. A burst pipe was reported, and I have been directed to oversee repairs. With the monsoon approaching, PWD, MCD, DJB, NDMC, and IFC are continuously cleaning drains.”
Despite the pumping systems being in place at Minto Bridge, a burst pipe led to partial flooding, necessitating urgent repair instructions.
Earlier, a tragic incident occurred when a tree collapsed on a tubewell room during the rainfall in Jafarpur Kalan, Dwarka, resulting in the deaths of four family members, identified as Jyoti and her three children.
Rescue efforts managed to pull the family from the debris, but they were pronounced dead upon arrival at Rao Tula Ram (RTR) Memorial Hospital.
Jyoti's husband, Ajay, suffered minor injuries and has since been discharged. Authorities are currently investigating the incident and have promised aid to the bereaved family. The heavy rainfall has caused traffic disruptions in several areas, including Dwarka, Khanpur, South Extension Ring Road, Minto Road, Lajpat Nagar, and Moti Bagh, causing significant inconvenience for commuters.
Waterlogging has been reported on Mehrauli-Badarpur Road near Tughlaqabad, Neem Chowk Road in Sangam Vihar, and at ITO.
The Delhi government has advised residents to stay indoors during severe weather and to avoid seeking shelter under trees or unstable structures.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for the region.
Flight operations have also been disrupted due to strong winds, thunder, lightning, and heavy rainfall affecting Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).
While the weather change provided welcome relief from the oppressive heat, it severely impacted flight schedules.