Construction projects of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) are one of the major factors contributing to massive waterlogging and traffic jams in the Capital, the initial findings of a government-commissioned fact-finding report suggests.
A senior government official said complaints of waterlogging in and around metro construction sites were found to have increased in comparison to last year.
“Initial findings of various reports suggest that construction sites of the metro are one of the major factors that are contributing to massive waterlogging and traffic jams during this monsoon season,” the government official said.
Action taken, says DMRC
The DMRC, however, said it had inspected its construction sites before the monsoon hit and action had been taken to ensure that waterlogging did not take place.
“All areas around metro sites have been inspected and action has already been taken in advance to ensure that waterlogging does not take place because of DMRC work,” a DMRC spokesperson said.
In the wake of several parts of the Capital experiencing waterlogging, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia had on Monday chaired a high-level meeting where officials from the DMRC gave explanations about such problems near its sites.
In the meeting, Mr. Sisodia had asked the Public Works Department, the DMRC, civic bodies and the Delhi Jal Board to conduct joint inspections in areas where complaints of waterlogging were received.
On Tuesday, the Delhi government had issued challans to the National Building Construction Corporation and the Delhi Development Authority over waterlogging at AIIMS flyover and Sarita Vihar underpass.
Areas such as Moolchand Flyover, Aurobindo Marg Crossing, Andrews Ganj, the Lajpat Nagar Metro Station, Pumposh Enclave, Modi Mill towards Kalkaji, IP Flyover, Timarpur Crossing, the Main Burari Road, Chhatrashal Stadium and the Azadpur underpass had emerged as vulnerable points where waterlogging complaints were reported on Saturday.
