Monsoon arrives in Delhi, and so does waterlogging

According to data shared by different departments, the city saw a total of 45 incidents of waterlogging, of which three were in MCD areas —Timarpur, Mundka and Janakpuri — while the others come under the PWD.

PWD officials said they received 28 waterlogging-related complaints, of which 24 are pending while four are closed.

Meanwhile, Delhi Traffic Police said between 7.30 am and 12.50 pm, they received a total of 14 complaints. A senior traffic police officer said, “Due to the incessant rains, there was waterlogging across ITO, Pragati Maidan area, East Delhi’s Vinod Nagar, Laxmi Nagar, ISBT, NH-48 and Delhi- Gurgaon expressway. Traffic personnel were on the ground along with local police to divert traffic. There was also tree-falling incidents in East and Central Delhi. Civic agencies were alerted.”

A senior PWD official said the department has finished “over 95% desilting of drains” in phase 1. “Certificate of completion of desilting is pending only from one-two divisions which will be submitted in a day or two. The department will also come up with its monsoon plan tomorrow (Monday) for this year,” the official added.

Officials said they have made elaborate arrangements to stop waterlogging such as installing alarms, CCTVs at pump houses; water suckers; and an immediate redressal system. Besides, they said there is a plan to establish waterlogging control rooms at 10 more places. The PWD has a list of 165 waterlogging hotspots.

Meanwhile, the MCD has set a target of June 27 for completing desilting of drains.

The BSES also issued an advisory urging people to follow precautions, including staying away from electrical poles, sub-stations, transformers and street lights. It also said children must avoid playing near waterlogged parks and electricity installations — even if these are barricaded.

A BSES official said, “We are geared up to ensure reliable power supply to our over 48 lakh consumers and over 2 crore residents while taking all safety measures that are required.”