NDMC apologises after central Delhi waterlogging

Water took more than an hour to drain at three or four locations in the NDMC area after heavy rain, prompting the civic body to apologise to residents and promise stronger drainage systems.

NDMC chairman Manoj Kumar Dwivedi said waterlogging is normally cleared within 15-20 minutes, but a spell that brought more than 72mm of rain in under two hours overwhelmed the system at some sites. “This cannot be an excuse and we will have to strengthen our systems,” he said.

The council recorded seven waterlogging complaints on August 24 from Connaught Place, Gol Dak Khana, Lodhi Estate, Sarojini Nagar, the DIZ Area near Gole Market and outside Lady Hardinge Medical College. It also received complaints about fallen trees and power outages, including in Khan Market and R K Ashram.

A large tree fell inside Vitthal Bhai Patel House on Wednesday morning, damaging at least four parked vehicles. Water also accumulated on Ashoka Road, Raisina Road, Parliament Street, Baba Kharak Singh Marg and near RML Hospital.

Dwivedi said NDMC would take short- and long-term steps to improve drainage and invited residents to suggest measures.