95% Drain Cleaning Claim Exposed? Delhi Drowns After Heavy Rain, NCR Turns Into a Flood Zone

Heavy rain lashed Delhi-NCR, causing severe waterlogging, traffic jams and flight diversions. Despite claims of 95% drain cleaning, several areas remained flooded while Gurugram school buses were stranded.

Delhi Rains (Img: Pinterest)

Heavy rainfall across Delhi-NCR on Monday once again exposed the challenges of the region’s drainage system, with several areas witnessing severe waterlogging, traffic disruptions and public inconvenience. Despite claims that 95% of drains were cleaned ahead of the monsoon, large parts of Delhi were flooded after hours of rain.

Heavy Rain Floods Delhi Roads, Traffic Hit Across City

Several areas including Janakpuri, Sadar Bazaar, Sangam Vihar, Vasant Kunj, Mahipalpur, Kirari and Mehrauli-Badarpur Road reported major waterlogging. Roads turned into pools of stagnant water, affecting daily commuters and causing long traffic jams.

The Safdarjung weather station recorded 34.6 mm rainfall, while Janakpuri received the highest rainfall at 72.5 mm. Other areas including Aya Nagar, Chhatarpur and Palam also witnessed intense showers.

Major routes such as Ring Road, Outer Ring Road, NH-9, Mathura Road, DND Flyway and Vikas Marg faced heavy congestion as vehicles moved at a slow pace.

Drain Cleaning Claims Under Question After Waterlogging

The latest rainfall has raised questions over the government’s preparedness after Public Works Department Minister Parvesh Verma had earlier claimed that more than 95% of Delhi’s drains had been desilted before the monsoon.

Officials, however, said the number of waterlogging spots had reduced and temporary pumping arrangements were being deployed at vulnerable locations.

Gurugram Faces Severe Waterlogging, School Buses Stranded

Gurugram witnessed major disruption as several key roads were submerged following heavy rainfall. Areas including Rajiv Chowk, Subhash Chowk, NH-48, Golf Course Extension Road, MG Road and IFFCO Chowk reported severe water accumulation.

Several school buses carrying children remained stranded for hours, leaving students and parents worried. Authorities also advised companies to allow work from home and schools to conduct online classes in view of the weather conditions.

Flights Diverted, More Rain Expected

The heavy rain and thunderstorms affected flight operations at Delhi airport, with 15 flights reportedly diverted due to poor weather conditions. Strong winds also caused trees to fall in several parts of the city.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted more rainfall activity in Delhi-NCR on Tuesday, with light to moderate showers expected in several areas.