With monsoon clouds already gathering over Delhi, the question on every resident’s mind is both familiar and urgent: is the city ready for the rains?
Year after year, Delhi’s first downpour triggers the same response—waterlogged roads, traffic chaos, and flooded homes in low-lying areas. This season, city authorities say they’ve taken “proactive measures” to avoid the annual disruption.
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) claims to have completed over 90 per cent of drain desilting by mid-June. The Public Works Department (PWD) has identified 445 waterlogging hotspots and assigned engineers to monitor them during peak rainfall hours.
Yet, early showers in July have already exposed gaps. Areas like Shahdara, Narela, and part of South Delhi reported water accumulation within minutes of moderate rainfall. In several locations, the silt removed from drains was left piled on the roadside, only to wash back in with the rain—negating the entire exercise.
“Despite the claims, numerous reports and social media post indicate widespread waterlogging across the city, with residents reporting knee-deep water on roads and in residential,” a user wrote on X.
Experts argue that Delhi’s drainage system, much of which dates back to the 1970s, is no longer adequate for a city of over 30 million people. Rapid urbanization, concretization of green spaces, and unregulated construction over natural drains have all contributed to the crisis.
Administrative coordination is another obstacle. Responsibility for drainage lies with multiple agencies—the MCD, NDMC, PWD, DDA, and Delhi Jal Board—leading to overlap, confusion, and often, inaction. Last year, a delayed response to clogged drains in South Delhi was blamed on jurisdictional ambiguity between the PWD and NDMC.
In some places, improvements are visible. The notorious Minto Bridge underpass, often submerged after heavy rain, remained dry during early July storms thanks to upgraded pumps and regular maintenance.
Still, as heavier rains loom, Delhi’s readiness remains uneven. Without systemic reform and inter-agency coordination, residents may once again find themselves wading through yet another monsoon mess.
