Rohtak waterlogging triggers daily review of monsoon preparedness

Severe waterlogging during the first spell of monsoon rain in Rohtak on Saturday and criticism from various quarters for that have prompted the district administration to intensify its review of flood-control and rainwater drainage arrangements.

As part of the stepped-up preparedness, Additional Deputy Commissioner Narendra Kumar on Tuesday directed officials of the departments concerned to ensure that all arrangements for rainwater drainage remained fully operational and that no lapse occured at any level.

During a review meeting, Kumar assessed the arrangements for rainwater disposal, the functioning of disposal points, availability of pump sets, deployment of field staff and preparedness in areas identified as vulnerable to waterlogging. He directed the departments to complete all drainage-related works on priority and ensure timely deployment of personnel so that teams could respond immediately during rainfall.

Kumar instructed officials to ensure that all disposal points became operational as soon as rainfall began. He also directed them to inspect disposal systems, pump sets and other drainage equipment in advance so that technical glitches did not hamper operations when required.

Special monitoring has been ordered in areas that have historically faced waterlogging. The ADC stressed the need for coordination among departments, directing officials to reach affected locations immediately after receiving information and start drainage operations without delay.

He further instructed officials to keep all machinery and resources required for water removal in a ready-to-use condition. Field personnel should be assigned clear responsibilities, while senior officers should regularly monitor preparedness and on-ground arrangements.

“Rainwater drainage is an important task, and any delay can cause inconvenience to the public. All departments must complete their preparations and work in close coordination to ensure timely action,” Kumar said.

He also directed the officials to maintain continuous surveillance of waterlogged areas during rainfall and take immediate measures wherever necessary. He made it clear that negligence in rainwater drainage arrangements would not be tolerated.

Notably, local Congress MLA Bharat Bhushan Batra and trade leaders questioned the district administration’s preparedness to tackle waterlogging, saying the first spell of rain had exposed gaps between its claims and the ground reality.