‘Not acceptable’: Why NDMC chief apologised after Delhi waterlogging

On the day after heavy rain left central Delhi waterlogged, New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) chief Manoj Kumar Dwivedi publicly apologized for the inadequate response to the situation. In a post on his X account, Dwivedi admitted that while his team typically clears waterlogging within 15-20 minutes, it took over an hour in at least three to four areas. This was due to the unexpected amount of rainfall, with more than 72 mm recorded in less than two hours.

Dwivedi, a 1997-batch IAS officer from the AGMUT cadre, acknowledged that the delay was unacceptable. "At the NDMC, we ensure that the water is drained within 35 to 40 minutes. But in areas like Mandir Marg, Connaught Place, BKS Marg, Talkotara, it took longer than usual because some drains got choked and it took two pumps to drain them out," he told The Indian Express. The water from Panchukian Road also entered the NDMC area, adding to the challenge.

The NDMC is now planning both short-term and long-term solutions to prevent future waterlogging. Immediate actions include desilting drains round the clock and increasing pumping capacity. Long-term measures involve reviewing and strengthening the drainage system, digging up and reworking drains to prevent choking, and encouraging rainwater harvesting to divert and reuse rainwater.

Dwivedi emphasized that the NDMC will work to ensure citizens do not face any inconvenience in the future and welcomed suggestions for improvement.