Drainage programs in most of Delhi working nice: Parvesh

NEW DELHI

 and Flood Control Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh on Sunday stated the momentary accumulation of water instantly after monsoon rain shouldn’t be categorized as waterlogging, as he criticised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for “deceptive” the general public by selectively sharing movies of waterlogged streets to painting the complete metropolis as submerged.

The Minister’s remarks got here amid reviews of heavy rain throughout a number of components of Delhi over the previous week, which led to visitors snarls and complaints of water accumulation in lots of areas.

“When it rains, water naturally takes a while to empty, relying on the capability of the system. Waterlogging is outlined as a state of affairs the place water stays stagnant for 4 to 5 hours after the rain has stopped. In most components of the town, the drainage infrastructure is working effectively,” stated Mr. Singh, who additionally holds the Public Works Department portfolio.

Noting that the Delhi authorities has been lively throughout the wet season, he stated that each one programs and checks launched after coming to energy are functioning easily.

‘Complete failure’

Countering the Minister’s claims, AAP demanded that the Delhi authorities convene a particular Assembly session to debate desilting work and sought a White Paper on the difficulty. The get together alleged that regardless of the federal government’s claims, many drains remained unclogged.

“In only a few monsoon showers, all 4 engines of the administration have drowned. The authorities has utterly failed to stop waterlogging in Delhi,” stated AAP chief and Burari MLA Sanjeev Jha at a press convention.

He performed purported movies exhibiting waterlogged streets in numerous areas of Delhi, together with Shalimar Bagh — Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s constituency. He claimed that water remained accrued for 2 to a few hours after the rain had stopped.

“Leaders had promised a waterlogging-free monsoon. Prior to the rains, L-G [V.K. Saxena], CM, and different officers made tall claims. But the truth is now clear earlier than the individuals of Delhi,” he stated. Mr. Jha additionally accused the administration of repeatedly shifting deadlines and stated almost 40% of PWD drains, 30% of Municipal Corporation of Delhi drains, and virtually half of the I&FC drains haven’t been desilted. “A particular Assembly session would assist deliver transparency to the difficulty,” he stated.

Yamuna inspection

Mr. Singh inspected the Yamuna river at Palla, the place the water enters Delhi from Haryana, on a ship.

He stated that the water at Palla is clear, however as  it enters Delhi, its color turns darkish and soiled.

“Efforts are below means to make sure the river stays as clear throughout the metropolis as it’s at its entry level,” stated the Minister. Water samples have been collected to check high quality, and a gathering has been held with officers to stop any flood threats from the Yamuna this yr, he added.