Highlighting the PWD’s preparedness, Verma noted that proactive steps such as drain desilting, stormwater line repairs, and the deployment of high-capacity pumps were executed before the monsoon began. To further support the claim of improvement, his office released photographs from other waterlogging hotspots like the Prembari underpass, Ring Road, Saket Metro stretch, and the area around Max Hospital, all of which appeared dry and operational.
A ground report by NDTV confirmed that Minto Bridge and the nearby ITO stretch remained clear, signaling progress. However, the situation was not as rosy across the city. Areas like Barakhamba Road and Ajmeri Gate still experienced significant flooding, with traffic congestion and commuter difficulties. According to a PWD engineer, these zones are currently undergoing drainage upgrades and still face some chokepoints. Pumps have reportedly been deployed in these locations, and traffic personnel were seen managing blocked roads.
Despite the minister’s presentation, opposition leaders questioned the broader picture. Aam Aadmi Party’s Saurabh Bharadwaj shared a video on social media showing flooded streets near Verma’s official residence in Lutyens’ Delhi, sarcastically questioning the state of preparedness after just an hour of rain.
While the absence of water at Minto Bridge is a welcome change, Delhi’s overall monsoon readiness appears to still face challenges in multiple pockets across the city.
