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Torrential rain triggers orange alert, waterlogging chaos across Delhi

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A waterlogged road following heavy rainfall in New Delhi on Tuesday. TRIBUNE PHOTO: MANAS RANJAN BHUI
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An orange alert was issued for Delhi on Tuesday by Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) as heavy rains lashed the city, leading to traffic blockage and waterlogging during the rush hour.

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While the IMD observatory at Delhi Ridge recorded 129.8 mm of rainfall the base station of Safdarjung recorded 68.1 mm of rainfall. At Lodi Road 72.4mm of rains were recorded by the weather department.

A relentless spell of heavy rain brought Delhi to a standstill on Tuesday, prompting IMD to issue a red alert on Tuesday morning followed by orange in the evening. Incessant downpours from early morning hours submerged key roads, disrupted traffic and sparked power outages, leaving thousands grappling with urban flooding and delayed commutes.

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The maximum temperature for the day was 29.1°C which was 5.8°C below normal and the minimum temperature was 26.8°C. The air quality remained in the ‘satisfactory’ range (AQI 72), offering some relief amid the chaos. Major thoroughfares including ITO, Dhaula Kuan, RK Puram, Rohini and Patel Nagar were waterlogged, causing hours-long traffic snarls. Drainage were overwhelmed, particularly in low-lying and high-traffic zones like Mukherjee Nagar, Moti Bagh and Panchkuian Road.

CM Rekha Gupta conducted an on-ground inspection at ITO, directing officials to deploy rapid-response teams and ensure swift water drainage. “In the previous government’s tenure, waterlogging would persist for hours. Under our administration, prompt cleaning of drains and implementation of a modern drainage system have significantly improved the situation,” she said. “Despite the heavy rainfall, water was cleared within 30 minutes in some areas.”

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The CM reassured residents that pre-monsoon preparation and continuous monitoring were in place. “Freeing Delhi from waterlogging, traffic jams and civic mismanagement is our top priority,” she added.

However, the situation in Sadar Bazar painted a different picture. Traders reported severe flooding and power cuts that halted commercial activity. “We’ve faced three to four feet of water in our lanes. Shops were inundated, and the power outage added to the misery,” said Paramjit Singh Pamma, chairman of the Federation of Sadar Bazar Trades Association.

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