Heavy rain paralyses Delhi, Old Rajinder Nagar worst hit

Anshita Mehra
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, July 31
A heavy spell of rain on Wednesday evening crippled Delhi, with widespread waterlogging transforming roads into rivers and leaving large parts of the city paralysed. Old Rajinder Nagar, a neighbourhood still reeling from a recent tragedy, was particularly hard hit, with rainwater rising to waist-high levels.
Earlier in the week, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) had undertaken demolition of encroachments in Old Rajinder Nagar to mitigate flooding. However, the scene on Wednesday night revealed the grim reality of those efforts. “All efforts seem to have gone down the drain,” said Himanshu, a protesting student. “The situation is the same every time it rains. Despite the three deaths, nothing has changed,” he added.
Undeterred by the waist-deep water, protesters chanted, “We want justice.”
In response to the torrential rain, AAP minister Atishi wrote on X, “Delhi witnessed very heavy rainfall. The Delhi Government and MCD are closely monitoring low-lying areas and vulnerable locations to ensure no untoward incidents occur.” Despite these assurances, the conditions on the ground painted a starkly different picture.
Rajinder Nagar MLA Durgesh Pathak also visited the area to oversee water drainage efforts, but residents remained doubtful about any significant improvements.
Lieutenant-Governor (L-G) VK Saxena tweeted, “I have instructed all officers to remain vigilant in light of the ongoing heavy downpour in Delhi. Apart from minimising general inconvenience, they are specifically advised to address issues at sites prone to waterlogging, including coaching centres.”
The flooding was not limited to Old Rajinder Nagar. Key areas across the Capital, including ITO, Karol Bagh, Mayur Vihar and Connaught Place, were severely impacted, resulting in massive traffic jams. Even in Lutyens Delhi, known for its broad avenues and historic buildings, streets were submerged, disrupting daily life in the city’s prestigious areas.
Connaught Place, in particular, experienced severe flooding. “The entire area was submerged,” said Amit Gupta, an official with the New Delhi Traders’ Association (NDTA). “There is water in our parking lots and inside our shops. It’s unbelievable,” he said.
Gupta criticised the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) for its “failure” to prevent the flooding despite the area’s high property taxes. “The NDMC area pays the highest property tax in the city, yet we are struggling because the authorities have failed to properly desilt the drains,” he said. “No lessons have been learnt from previous years. We just pay high taxes and face the same issues each year with no improvements,” he added.
The IMD had issued a ‘red alert’ for Delhi on Wednesday evening, forecasting heavy rainfall between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm until 9 pm.
Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva also criticised the AAP government, stating, “The corruption-tainted Delhi Government has completely failed in desilting the drains of Delhi, resulting in blocked sewers and widespread waterlogging within minutes of rain.” Sachdeva added, “Despite the ample time given by the rain to clear sewers after Saturday’s downpour, the Delhi Government and MCD have once again failed Delhiites, especially the residents of Old Rajinder Nagar.”

Students meet MCD Commissioner

On the fourth day of protests following the tragedy, several students were detained as they called for stricter regulations regarding victim compensation, room rentals, public libraries and waterlogging issues. Later, a delegation of UPSC aspirants met Municipal Corporation of Delhi Commissioner Ashwani Kumar at the MC headquarters. Kumar assured the delegation that their concerns would be addressed. According to the Delhi Police, a few “outsiders” were removed from the protest site in Rajinder Nagar, where hundreds have been demonstrating for justice.

Atishi visits protest site, promises action

After a four-day absence following the tragedy at a coaching centre, AAP minister Atishi visited Rajinder Nagar on Wednesday, accompanied by Mayor Shelly Oberoi, to address the protesting students. During the visit, Atishi met with the students and assured them that their safety is a top priority. She pledged to take strict action against all responsible officials once the investigation is complete. Additionally, she promised the establishment of government-funded libraries in key coaching hubs.