New Delhi: Delhi faced a multitude of issues as heavy rainfall caused severe waterlogging throughout the city. The overnight downpour led to many vehicles being submerged, particularly in areas like Minto Bridge, Moolchand, Vinod Nagar, and Aurobindo Road. Visuals from the Minto Bridge—a notorious spot for flooding during heavy rains—showed a vehicle partially submerged in the waterlogged underpass.
The waterlogging under Minto Bridge happened just a year after the Public Works Department (PWD) removed the road from its list of waterlogging hotspots in the Capital. The problem at this location, near Connaught Place, has existed since at least 1958. It became such a significant issue that the PWD installed 24-hour CCTV surveillance during the monsoon season. In 2020, a man drowned after his vehicle got stuck in the waters.
Delhi BJP spokesperson Ajay Sehrawat criticized the AAP government over the waterlogging at Minto Bridge. “AAP has ruined Delhi. More than 10 feet of water has filled up under Minto Bridge. Shelly Oberoi ji, where have your big promises gone? Are you only focused on making money from MCD parking?” he posted on X in Hindi.
Heavy traffic jams were reported at major junctions, including ITO, NH9, and the Ring Road, causing significant disruptions to daily commutes. Aurobindo Road also experienced severe traffic, affecting movement from South Delhi to the IIT flyover.
#WATCH | A truck submerged as incessant rainfall causes severe waterlogging in parts of Delhi.
— ANI (@ANI) June 28, 2024
(Visuals from Minto Road) pic.twitter.com/1uNpverLee
Commuters faced significant inconveniences near metro stations, with Saket Metro Station and Bhikaji Cama Place experiencing heavy waterlogging. Anjali, a commuter heading to her coaching center, expressed her frustration: “We are facing a lot of inconveniences. This is the condition after the first rain. If this is the situation on the main road, what would the condition in the lanes be?”
Visuals from various parts of the city, including Minto Road, Mandawali, Madhu Vihar, and Pragati Maidan, displayed extensive waterlogging. Even areas in neighboring Noida, such as Sector 62, experienced severe waterlogging due to the relentless rain.
In a symbolic protest against the AAP-led Delhi government, BJP Councillor Ravinder Singh Negi was seen rowing an inflatable boat through the flooded NH9 area. “All PWD drains are overflowing. They didn’t get cleaned ahead of the monsoon. This has led to waterlogging. Vinod Nagar has submerged,” he said.