Delhi Commuters face traffic congestion amid heavy rains, state govt mobilises to contain sewer overflow

New Delhi [India], August 20 (ANI): Severe traffic congestion was witnessed in several parts of Delhi following a heavy downpour on Tuesday.

Commuters faced problems due to the traffic congestion. Parts of Delhi witnessed severe waterlogging following heavy rainfall in the early hours of Tuesday.

Heavy rain leads to waterlogging in several parts of the city, including the NSUI Office, ITO, Raisina, and Jantar Mantar.

Severe waterlogging was witnessed near Ashram Bridge after incessant rainfall. Waterlogging on Minto Road led to parked vehicles getting submerged in water.

An autorickshaw driver, whose vehicle got submerged on Minto Road, Munil Mehto, said, “My vehicle suddenly stopped. I asked a few drivers to help me. To save my life, I came out of the car. The vehicle’s paper is still in it.”

“I urged other drivers to help me make my vehicle out but I was not able to cross this road,” he added.

The Delhi BJP Unit hit out at Delhi Minister Aatishi and the AAP government for the continued water logging in the capital

“Atishi ji, the one who tells a new lie every day, the AAP government had cleaned all the drains, now whom will you hold responsible for this waterlogging,” a post by the Delhi BJP said.

Meanwhile, taking cognizance of sewer overflow complaints across the national capital, Water Minister Atishi directed the Chief Secretary to mobilize government machinery to prevent a potential public health crisis. The Water Minister asked the Chief Secretary to:

Give responsibility for resolving sewer overflow issues to senior IAS officers. 11 senior officers should be given responsibility for each of DJB’s 11 circles. A team of officers to be attached to each senior IAS officer who will remain on the field to find short-term and long-term solutions to sewer overflow and water contamination-related issues. These 11 teams will be monitored by the Chief Secretary who will submit biweekly reports on the same, to the Water Minister.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted widespread light-to-moderate rainfall for the entire Delhi and southwest NCR on Tuesday.

IMD has warned of a moderate-to-intense spell over Central and East Delhi in the morning hours. Earlier today, IMD warned of heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places in Uttarakhand. Heavy rain at isolated places over Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. Thunderstorms and lightning at isolated places over Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.