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Key Points

The Delhi government has ordered inspections of drains to prevent waterlogging ahead of the monsoon. Recent unseasonal rains caused flooding, flight delays, and power outages across the city. CM Rekha Gupta acknowledged the issue as an inherited problem but assured action. Officials are working to clean and repair drains before the heavy rains arrive.

Key Points: Delhi PWD and Flood Control Dept Begin Drain Inspections Before Monsoon

  • PWD and Flood Control Dept inspect 1,259 km of drains by May 28
  • Unseasonal rain caused waterlogging and flight disruptions
  • CM Gupta calls waterlogging an inherited "disease"
  • Dust storms and hail led to power outages and fallen trees
2 min read

Delhi: PWD, Flood Control dept to begin drain inspections to tackle waterlogging before monsoon

Delhi government steps up efforts to tackle waterlogging as PWD and Flood Control inspect drains before monsoon after unseasonal rains.

"This disease, which we have got from the previous government, will take time to be cured. - CM Rekha Gupta"

New Delhi, May 22

Following unseasonal rainfall that led to waterlogging in several parts of the city, the Delhi government has stepped up its efforts to address this recurring issue ahead of the upcoming monsoon season.

The Public Works Department (PWD) and the Irrigation & Flood Control Department will jointly inspect the cleaning and repair of drains across Delhi.

All engineers have been instructed to submit their inspection reports for 1,259 km of roads by May 28. Special focus is being given to the cleaning of drains alongside roads under the jurisdiction of the PWD

Meanwhile, the national capital witnessed an intense dust storm on Wednesday, followed by thunderstorms, hail, and rain, which lashed parts of Delhi.

The power outages were seen in Delhi's Bawana, Narela, Jahangirpuri, Civil Lines, Shakti Nagar, Model Town, Wazirabad, Dhirpur, and Burari areas.

Many domestic and international flights to Delhi airport were put on hold or diverted due to inclement weather conditions. "Many domestic and international flights to Delhi airport from various airports have been put on halt or diverted due to weather conditions," said airport sources.

The rain brought down the temperature by 14 degrees Celsius. IMD officials said that from 37 degrees Celsius at 7.30 pm, it dropped to 23 degrees Celsius at 8.30 pm at Palam.

Delhi Fire Service received more than 25 calls after the weather change, most related to fallen trees.

Earlier this month, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited waterlogged areas and described the problem as a "disease" inherited from the previous government. She acknowledged that resolving the crisis will take time, but assured residents of the government's firm commitment to finding lasting solutions.

"This disease, which we have got from the previous government, will take time to be cured. The government is fully prepared to fix these problems, and officials are working on the roads. It is our responsibility to complete all arrangements on time," Gupta said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Every year same story before monsoon! Inspections happen but waterlogging still occurs. Why can't they maintain drains properly throughout the year? Our taxes pay for this basic infrastructure. Hope this time they actually take action 🤞
P
Priya M.
The sudden weather changes are becoming more extreme. Yesterday's storm was scary! My flight got delayed by 4 hours. Kudos to IMD for accurate predictions though. Maybe Delhi needs better urban planning to handle both extreme heat AND sudden rains.
A
Amit S.
Instead of blaming previous governments, current administration should focus on solutions. Waterlogging affects common people's lives - schools, hospitals, offices all get disrupted. Need long-term drainage master plan, not just pre-monsoon inspections.
S
Sunita R.
In my area, people throw garbage in drains causing blockages. Government should run awareness campaigns too. We citizens also need to be responsible. Clean Delhi = Green Delhi! 🌱
V
Vikram J.
The temperature drop from 37° to 23° in one hour was insane! Climate change is real folks. About drainage - why not learn from cities like Surat which improved their systems after 2006 floods? Need technical experts, not just politicians making promises.
N
Neha T.
My street in Model Town was underwater for 2 days last monsoon. Happy to hear about early preparations this year but worried about implementation. Hope they prioritize areas with hospitals and schools first. Fingers crossed! 🤞

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