Did Heavy Rainfall Cause Waterlogging in Delhi?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Severe waterlogging in Delhi due to unexpected rainfall.
- Key affected areas include Minto Bridge and Sangam Vihar.
- Government response includes drain cleaning and monitoring.
- Public Works Department has identified problematic locations.
- Authorities are under pressure to act swiftly
New Delhi, May 2 (NationPress) The national capital experienced significant waterlogging in several areas on Friday morning after an unexpected downpour affected the city, leading to disruptions in traffic and daily activities.
Among the locations impacted was Minto Bridge, known for its chronic waterlogging issues.
Images from various spots across the city, including DND Flyway, Akshardham, ITO, and Sangam Vihar’s Neem Chowk Road, depicted knee-deep water and extended queues of vehicles, underscoring the ongoing drainage challenges.
Commuters encountered considerable delays as water accumulation hampered traffic flow in numerous regions.
Delhi Minister Parvesh Verma visited several affected sites early in the morning to evaluate the situation. In a post on X, he stated, "Today, because of unprecedented record rainfall, water has accumulated in various locations across Delhi. Starting from 5:30 am, I inspected multiple areas. At Minto Bridge, I noticed that all four pumps were operational and the operator was attentive. A pipe had ruptured, and I have been instructed to oversee repairs. Ahead of the monsoon, PWD, MCD, DJB, NDMC, and IFC are continuously engaged in cleaning drains."
Despite the functioning pumping systems at Minto Bridge, a broken pipe led to partial flooding, necessitating immediate repair measures.
This situation arises just days after the Public Works Department (PWD) issued a formal directive on April 28, pinpointing seven persistently waterlogged areas in Delhi in preparation for the monsoon season. These areas include Minto Bridge, Pul Prahladpur Underpass, Ring Road near WHO, Jahangirpuri Metro Station Road, Under Zakhira Flyover, Loni Road Golchakkar, and Karala Kanjhawla.
To counteract these risks, the PWD has placed these locations under the direct supervision of the Engineer-in-Chief, assigning specific officers the responsibility of preventing waterlogging. Inaction could lead to disciplinary measures.
With the monsoon season nearing, authorities are ramping up drain-cleaning efforts throughout the city.