Second-highest single-day rain in May since 1901 in Delhi a wake-up call, says Minister

Referring to multiple incidents of waterlogging in the city last monsoon, he added,  “We have inspected the work ourselves — everything is on track and being monitored daily. Yesterday’s rainfall was a wake-up call, and all officers concerned are on the ground. This time, no area in Delhi will remain flooded.”

Golf Links, one of the city’s most upscale neighbourhoods, was heavily waterlogged last monsoon. During the visit to the area, the Minister reviewed ongoing work related to sewer lines, stormwater drains, and sump well construction.

All preventive measures would be completed by May 30 ahead of the onset of the monsoon, he assured the residents.   “This time, we are fully prepared. New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has issued all necessary work orders, and the work is progressing swiftly. We are confident that all works here — and across the city — will be completed before May 30,” the Minister said.

The Minister also noted that a citywide action plan is underway beyond Golf Links, with an intensive desilting drive being carried out to clear stormwater drains and prevent flooding.

To prevent waterlogging and flooding, the Minister said, three new sump wells are being constructed to manage rainwater more efficiently. Pumps have already been installed to redirect water to the main drains, and a super sucker machine has been deployed daily for the last 10 days to intensively desilt the drainage system.

Singh also visited areas like BK Dutt Colony at Lodhi Road near Jor Bagh to assess the ground situation. “We welcome the monsoon with confidence this year. The city will be ready, and residents will not have to suffer waterlogging like in the past,” he said in a veiled attack on the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government.

According to officials, the city recorded over 200 complaints related to waterlogging and more than 250 complaints regarding uprooted trees and fallen branches.