NEW DELHI: As rains drenched large parts of Delhi on Wednesday, Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Parvesh Verma visited several waterlogging-prone areas to assess the situation, including the infamous Minto Bridge underpass.The minister, who also represents the New Delhi constituency, said efforts by the Delhi government over the past few months have helped prevent flooding at key locations.“We have taken several steps to avoid waterlogging at the Minto Bridge underpass. Every year, we used to see photos of buses submerged at the underpass, but all the pump operators are alert currently and carrying out the de-watering exercise. There is no waterlogging here, even though it has been raining for an hour,” Verma said.The Minto Bridge underpass, which connects Connaught Place to Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg, is one of Delhi’s most notorious monsoon flashpoints. This year, it remains high on the PWD’s watchlist, officials said.Verma also visited Connaught Place and highlighted the broader measures being taken by the government.
Image Credit: BJP spokesperson Gaurav Goel (X)
A 2021 photo shows Delhi’s Minto Bridge flooded.“For the last four months, the Delhi government has been working on identified waterlogging points. Some have been fixed and at other points, the work is ongoing. This shows that the government is working honestly,” he said.Apart from regular monitoring and pumping efforts, the PWD is also working to repair and clean a large underground stormwater storage tank (sump) installed near gate number six of Bharat Mandapam — another chronic waterlogging zone.The sump was constructed two years ago and is now undergoing maintenance, officials said. The work is expected to be completed in the coming days.The monsoon season often brings traffic disruptions and public inconvenience in Delhi due to heavy rainfall and poor drainage infrastructure. Authorities say they are attempting to improve the situation with early interventions and focused maintenance this year.
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