Delhi CM Rekha Gupta flags alarming waterlogging crisis after rain fury

NEW DELHI: Heavy rains accompanied by strong winds battered the Delhi-NCR early Friday, causing widespread waterlogging, uprooting trees, snapping power lines, and severely disrupting traffic and flight operations. The downpour also claimed four lives in a house collapse incident in Najafgarh, prompting chief minister Rekha Gupta to issue an urgent call for infrastructural overhaul across the city.


Assessing the flood-prone areas, CM Gupta visited Majnu Ka Tilla to evaluate the situation. Speaking to the media during her inspection, she said:
“There is a problem of waterlogging in many areas of Delhi. In some places, there are no drains; in others, the drains are clogged, and in some, the roads are damaged. Delhi is in a very bad state and needs urgent improvement. It is an alarming situation, and all departments and agencies must take today’s rain as a warning to begin addressing areas prone to waterlogging. We have directed our officers and departments to take immediate action wherever there is issue of waterlogging.”
"This disease, which we have got from the previous government, will take time to be cured, and today the chief minister of Delhi herself is passing through those roads where thousands of Delhiites are stuck in traffic jams, and the government is fully prepared to fix these problems. Officials are working on the roads. It is our responsibility to fix all these arrangements on time," news agency ANI quoted Rekha Gupta as saying.

Delhi minister Parvesh Verma also visited the Minto Bridge area, a location notorious for flooding during monsoons, to assess the severity of the situation.

Meanwhile, tragedy struck in Najafgarh when a house collapsed, killing a 28-year-old woman and her three children, police said.
The collapse was triggered by a tree falling on the house amid strong gusts of wind. The woman’s husband sustained minor injuries in the incident and is currently receiving medical care.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Delhi-NCR, warning of continued severe weather and advising residents to remain indoors. According to IMD data, Delhi saw intense rainfall and strong winds early Friday morning, leading to flash flooding in several low-lying areas.
“Residents are urged to stay indoors and avoid travel if possible. Seek shelter in a safe location and avoid taking refuge under trees or near concrete floors and walls. Unplug electrical and electronic appliances to prevent damage or injury, and immediately vacate water bodies or areas near objects that conduct electricity,” read the IMD advisory.
Air travel was also hit hard by the inclement weather. Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) confirmed multiple delays and disruptions, stating:
“Due to inclement weather conditions and thunderstorms in Delhi, some flights have been impacted at Delhi Airport. Our on-ground teams are diligently working with all stakeholders to ensure a seamless and efficient passenger experience. Passengers are requested to contact the airline concerned for updated flight information.”
Across the city, roads were submerged, and visuals from areas such as Minto Road showed cars partially submerged in floodwaters. Strong winds brought down trees in several localities, blocking roads and damaging infrastructure.
With more rain forecast, Delhi’s civic agencies remain on alert as CM Gupta’s administration races to respond to the crisis and mitigate further damage.
(With inputs from agencies)