Verma reviews situation arising from heavy rains, major waterlogging-prone spots

The Delhi government’s extensive monsoon preparedness was put to test by heavy rains that lashed the national capital over the last 24 hours. PWD Minister Parvesh Verma on Thursday reviewed the situation arising from the rains, especially waterlogging, from the department’s 24×7 Monsoon Control Room.

He monitored live CCTV feeds, assessed field operations, and directed officials to maintain maximum preparedness across the city.

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The Minister reviewed the functioning of the integrated control system that tracks vulnerable locations across the city non-stop, and coordinates rapid response by field teams.

Speaking after the review, Vera said, “There was a time when Delhiites would worry every time it rained because waterlogging meant blocked roads, stranded vehicles and hours of inconvenience. We had assured the people that this situation would change through better planning and stronger infrastructure. Today’s rainfall has shown that when preparation meets commitment, results are visible on the ground.”

“More than 100 mm of rainfall has been recorded in several parts of Delhi over the last 24 hours, yet locations like Minto Bridge, Zakhira, Dhaula Kuan and Moolchand- once known for severe waterlogging- have continued to function with traffic moving smoothly. This has been possible because of months of preparation and the tireless efforts of our engineers, field staff and emergency teams,” he added.

He assured that the department’s work is continuing round- the- clock, adding that every complaint is monitored in real time, every vulnerable location is under surveillance, and the teams are fully prepared to respond immediately wherever required. “Our objective is simple: to ensure that Delhiites can move safely and confidently even during heavy rainfall,” he said.

The Minister directed all officers to remain on high alert throughout the monsoon season and continue close coordination with all concerned departments to ensure quick response, smooth traffic movement and public convenience.

He was informed that most major roads and traditionally waterlogging-prone underpasses, including Minto Bridge, Zakhira, Dhaula Kuan and Moolchand, remained operational with smooth traffic movement despite heavy rainfall, reflecting the effectiveness of the department’s extensive pre-monsoon preparations.

The PWD identified 45 waterlogging-prone locations, including major underpasses, all of which are under continuous surveillance through 179 CCTV cameras connected to the Central Control Room.

To strengthen on-ground preparedness, the department has deployed 754 permanent pumps at 167 locations and 305 temporary pumps at 273 locations across the city.

Engineering teams, pumps, machinery and emergency staff is on a standby mode throughout the monsoon, to ensure immediate intervention wherever required.

Officials informed the Minister that during the last 48 hours, nearly 120 public calls were received and attended to on priority. In most cases, waterlogging was cleared within 15 to 30 minutes, depending on rainfall intensity and site conditions.

The department further informed that many parts of Delhi recorded an average rainfall of approximately 100 mm in last 24 hrs, while several areas experienced significantly heavier spells.

Despite these challenging conditions, continuous monitoring and rapid deployment of field teams ensured minimal disruption at most critical locations, the department claimed.