New Delhi [India]: As unseasonal heavy rainfall lashed Delhi early Friday morning, leading to widespread waterlogging and traffic chaos, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta addressed the public, terming the persistent drainage issues a “disease” inherited from the previous administration. She assured residents that her government is committed to resolving the crisis with urgency.
CM Conducts On-Ground Inspection
Speaking to reporters while touring waterlogged areas, Gupta said:
“This disease, which we have got from the previous government, will take time to be cured. The Chief Minister of Delhi herself is passing through those roads where thousands of Delhiites are stuck in traffic jams. The government is fully prepared to fix these problems.”
In a post on social media platform X, she shared visuals from Majnu ka Tilla and other affected areas, confirming that she was “personally present on the ground” to monitor the situation.
“Clear instructions were given to all officers to identify places where waterlogging is occurring across Delhi and ensure a solution,” Gupta wrote.
Ministers Join Relief Efforts
Delhi Minister Parvesh Verma also visited multiple waterlogged zones, including the heavily affected Minto Bridge area. He posted a video on X showing the operation of four water pumps and acknowledged damage to a pipeline, which he said has been flagged for immediate repair.
“From 5:30 am onwards, I visited various locations and assessed the situation… Because of the monsoon, the cleaning of drains is being done continuously by PWD, MCD, DJB, NDMC, and IFC,” Verma stated.
IMD Issues Alert
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed severe weather conditions over the Delhi NCR region. The unseasonal rainfall, accompanied by strong winds, not only disrupted road traffic but also impacted flight operations at Delhi Airport, where several services were delayed or rerouted.
Public Reaction and Safety Concerns
Residents welcomed the cool relief from the heat but expressed frustration over the recurring drainage failures and lack of preparedness for intense rainfall events.
Scenes from various areas showed vehicles submerged in water, trees uprooted, and school children and office-goers struggling through inundated roads. Key locations such as RK Puram, Khanpur, and Connaught Place flyover reported traffic snarls due to standing water and debris.
Conclusion
As the city grapples with the aftermath of Friday’s rain, the administration is on high alert. CM Gupta’s public engagement and ministerial inspections signal a proactive approach, though critics may argue that Delhi’s chronic drainage and infrastructure challenges require structural reforms and long-term planning beyond emergency responses.