NDMC Chairman Apologises for Rain Waterlogging Delays Across New Delhi
The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) issued an apology on Wednesday for delays in clearing severe waterlogging caused by heavy rainfall in central Delhi, including roads around Connaught Place and neighbouring key corridors.
NDMC Chairman Manoj Kumar Dwivedi addressed the situation in a series of statements on X, explaining that drainage operations took longer than usual at multiple locations. While the civic body typically clears accumulated rainwater within 15 to 20 minutes, water took more than an hour to fully drain at three to four specific sites despite departmental efforts.
The delay followed an intense spell of rain at the start of the week, which brought total precipitation to 107.8 mm by 8:30 pm on Tuesday. Dwivedi described the downpour as unexpected, noting that more than 72 mm of rainfall was recorded in less than two hours, disrupting traffic across key arterial routes in the capital.
Dwivedi acknowledged the public inconvenience and stated that the heavy rainfall could not be treated as an excuse for operational delays. He emphasised that the civic agency needs to strengthen its drainage infrastructure to prevent similar disruptions during future downpours.
Water accumulation crippled vehicular movement on several major roads across the NDMC jurisdiction and surrounding areas. Waterlogged points included Ashoka Road, Raisina Road, Parliament Street, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, and the vicinity of RML Hospital, alongside areas near AIIMS and the Supreme Court.
To address recurring inundation, Dwivedi announced that several short-term and long-term interventions are being formulated. He also reached out to the public, inviting suggestions from residents to improve water clearance measures and minimise civic disruptions.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated that drainage, sewerage, and waterlogging remain top priorities for the administration, noting that projects worth crores of rupees and new sewer line installations are being approved for long-term resolution. Public Works Department Minister Parvesh Verma added that long-term measures are being executed at 21 identified spots, alongside short-term interventions at multiple other locations.
