Image Credits: Education Post
Delhi BJP Chief Virendra Sachdeva has sharply criticized the state of Delhi’s drainage system, highlighting a severe degradation in infrastructure quality. In recent remarks, Sachdeva condemned the city’s handling of waterlogging issues, attributing them to what he described as rampant corruption and neglect.
Sachdeva’s comments come in the wake of a series of heavy rainfall events that have plagued Delhi, causing widespread waterlogging that persists for up to 15 hours after just a brief period of rain. “We have not seen Delhi in a worse condition than now,” Sachdeva stated, emphasizing the inadequacy of the current drainage infrastructure. He specifically pointed to the 18 major drains in the city, alleging that none of them have been adequately maintained or cleaned.
The issue of waterlogging has been a persistent problem in Delhi, exacerbated by monsoon rains that often overwhelm the city’s outdated drainage systems. In recent years, the problem has intensified due to rapid urbanization, increased vehicular traffic, and inadequate investment in infrastructure maintenance. The Delhi government has faced criticism for its failure to address these issues effectively, despite various promises and reports outlining the need for urgent reforms.
In response to Sachdeva’s allegations, Delhi’s Public Works Department (PWD) has defended its efforts, stating that substantial work is underway to upgrade the city’s drainage system. The department asserts that the cleaning of drains is a continuous process and that they are actively working to address the problems exacerbated by recent heavy rains.
Additional context reveals that the Delhi government has allocated funds for drainage improvements in recent budgets. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains a contentious issue, with many residents expressing frustration over recurrent waterlogging and inadequate flood management.
As the monsoon season continues, the city remains on high alert, with authorities under pressure to deliver swift solutions to the persistent challenges of urban flooding and infrastructure maintenance.