Three hours of rain submerges Delhi. Who is to blame?

Three hours of rain submerges Delhi. Who is to blame?

The BJP and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) engaged in a blame game as several parts of Delhi got flooded after receiving three hours of rainfall.

Following Friday's downpour, the second highest for a single day in June in 88 years, several roads, underpasses, and tunnels got submerged, causing long traffic jams.

This is not the first time Delhi has witnessed such a scenario with the onset of the monsoon. Scenes of submerged cars, buses, and homes have become common.

Yet, the question remains: What are the reasons behind Delhi's plight after rain?

WHAT BJP SAYS

Delhi BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor attacked Mayor Dr Shelly Oberoi and AAP leader Jasmine Shah for their excuses following severe waterlogging in Delhi after the first heavy rain of the monsoon.

Kapoor highlighted that despite prior warnings from the weather department, the Mayor's claims of preparedness proved false as water pumps failed at key locations.

He demanded accountability for the inadequate preparations and asked why measures to prevent waterlogging during the monsoon were insufficient.

WHAT CONGRESS SAYS

Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee president Devender Yadav blamed the AAP government's handling of water management and desilting following heavy monsoon rains.

Yadav called for an investigation into the alleged massive corruption in the desilting process. Highlighting the incompetence of both the AAP and the BJP governments (Centre), Yadav pointed out that key areas, including the Delhi airport, railway stations, and residential colonies were submerged.

He also flagged the irony of Delhi Water Minister Atishi's residence being waterlogged despite her demands for more water from Haryana amid a water shortage in the national capital.

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE?

Municipal corporations and Delhi government

Local bodies like the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and other civic agencies are primarily responsible for maintaining the city's drainage and sewer systems.

Desilting of Delhi's drainage system was not done before the rains, leading to silt blockages and waterlogging on the roads.

The Delhi government bears significant responsibility due to several factors.

Improper urban planning and failure to incorporate effective drainage solutions lead to waterlogging. Illegal construction and encroachments on natural drainage channels exacerbate the problem.

The city's outdated drainage infrastructure, coupled with neglect of regular desilting and maintenance, results in frequent blockages. Poor coordination between various municipal bodies and state agencies leads to fragmented responses, and inadequate preparation for heavy rainfall events worsens the situation.

Additionally, the reduction of urban green spaces and mismanagement of natural water bodies hinder rainwater absorption.

Regulatory gaps, insufficient policy enforcement, and delays in pre-monsoon desilting further contribute to the issue.

To address these challenges, the government needs to invest in modernising drainage infrastructure, enforce regular maintenance schedules, incorporate sustainable urban planning practices, improve inter-agency coordination, and involve citizens in maintaining cleanliness and preventing encroachments.

CENTRAL GOVERNMENT

In Delhi, certain areas fall under the jurisdiction of the central government, adding another layer of responsibility.