NEW DELHI: Delhi’s first monsoon shower caused severe waterlogging, exposing unpreparedness and sparking criticism of the AAP government, accusing it of negligence.
The Aam Aadmi Party-led Delhi government faced criticism after the first monsoon shower resulted in widespread waterlogging across the National Capital. The Delhi unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused the Arvind Kejriwal-led government of negligence, highlighting that PWD drains were overflowing due to a lack of pre-monsoon cleaning. Delhi Minister Atishi Singh defended the government, explaining that the city received 228 mm of rainfall, which exceeded the capacity of the drains, causing waterlogging in several areas.
Continuous rainfall caused severe waterlogging in various parts of Delhi earlier last week, including at the residence of Water Minister Atishi Singh. This situation contradicted the claims of both the Delhi government and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), who had repeatedly assured that Delhi was prepared for the monsoon.
The heavy rainfall led to several vehicles being submerged, especially in areas like Minto Bridge, Moolchand, Vinod Nagar, and Aurobindo Road. Notably, Minto Bridge experienced waterlogging despite being removed from the list of waterlogging hotspots last year. The area is now under 24-hour CCTV surveillance throughout the monsoon.
Several upscale localities, including Defence Colony, Vasant Kunj, Jangpura, Hauz Khas, South Extension, and Mayur Vihar, woke up to waterlogged roads. Many residents reported drainage backflow issues. In central Delhi, areas like Connaught Place and Chandni Chowk saw shops inundated with water. Several underpasses, including those at Okhla and Pragati Maidan, were closed.
BJP Councillor Ravinder Singh Negi criticised the AAP government by rowing a boat on a waterlogged street. He stated, “For the past month, we have been urging the PWD to clean the drains, but the Delhi government did nothing. As a result, the entire city is now flooded, and no arrangements have been made.” He also criticised Atishi Singh for protesting about water scarcity while neglecting the waterlogging issue.
Delhi BJP spokesperson Ajay Sehrawat also criticised the AAP government for the waterlogging under the Minto Bridge. He posted on Twitter, “AAP has ruined Delhi. More than 10 feet of water has accumulated under Minto Bridge. Shelly Oberoi ji, where have your big promises gone, or are you only focused on making money from MCD parking?”
In response, Delhi PWD Minister Atishi stated, “We have identified around 200 hotspots during the last rain. Out of these, 40 hotspots are under CCTV surveillance by the PWD. If Delhi receives 228 mm of rainfall, it will take time for the water levels to decrease. Currently, Delhi has received more rainfall than the capacity of the drains, which is why we are witnessing waterlogging in several areas.”
Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj added, “Many areas experience waterlogging due to a lack of coordination between different departments. All departments have been instructed to form quick response teams to continuously monitor the situation. The Traffic Police and area representatives have been tasked with identifying and listing vulnerable areas for waterlogging. Chief Secretaries have been directed to review these lists from all departments.”
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi can expect generally cloudy skies with intermittent rain and gusty winds over the next few days. Beginning Monday, July 1, the forecast includes light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and a decrease in maximum temperature to around 34 degrees Celsius.