‘Minto road waterlogging result of PWD negligence’

New Delhi: The BJP-ruled North Delhi Municipal Corporation on Tuesday alleged that waterlogging at Shivaji bridge, Minto road is a result of PWD’s gross negligence.

North Delhi Mayor Adesh Gupta said that waterlogging at Shivaji Bridge, Minto Road was because despite “our repeated requests, the  Public Works department has not desilted the drains in their jurisdiction and the result is for all to see. The waterlogging problem at various places in the national capital is a big problem”.

According to Mr Gupta, the municipal agency drains have an outfall in PWD drains, that's why it's important for all civic agencies to do their work on time. If the drains are not desilted properly then the water from small drains would not have the outfall.

"Pumps installed on Shivaji Bridge, Minto road, should have drained out the rain water out of the road in time. Had the PWD done its work properly instead of making excuses and playing the blame game, the waterlogging problem would not have arisen," Mr Gupta added.   

Criticising the department, Mr Gupta informed that the north civic body has tried its best to ensure that there should be no waterlogging in this monsoon.

"To this purpose, the NDMC has convened meetings of all department at various occasions. Unfortunately, the PWD did not take even those meetings seriously and instead sent their junior officers, who had no information of the work done, to attend such meetings," claimed Mr Gupta.

The legislator pointed out that to put an end to the problem of waterlogging in this monsoons at Minto road , the PWD has to work efficiently otherwise, it's difficult to escape waterlogging.  

South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) mayor Narender Chawla on Tuesday inaugurated a dedicated helpline  for complainants (tel at 23228325),  which will remain available on all working days during office hours.  

The complaints will be properly monitored to ensure an appropriate action to avoid any loss, damage or disruption due to rain water accumulation.  

“The special arrangement has been made keeping in view the rainy season and expected heavy rains in days to come.  The helpline has been established in the Mayor’s  office itself to enable the senior officers in the Mayor office to keep an eye on the functioning of the helpline," said Mr Chawla.