Non-functional pumps, late deployment of equipment behind delay in clearing waterlogging in Delhi: PWD

“We expected the rain and preparations were in process… Inspections to check if pumps were working or not were ongoing. Temporary and mobile pumps are hired on a contract basis through tenders. This year, road-maintenance divisions could not do it on time due to the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) being in place for the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls,” said a senior PWD official.

“… this delayed the process… After the MCC was lifted, new tenders were issued. It has been expedited now so pumps can be deployed especially at vulnerable locations,” said officials.

Temporary pumps are hired for three months from June-September. The tendering process starts in May, officials said, adding that 260-270 mobile and temporary pumps will be deployed in low-lying areas to drain out water.

Officials also said 86% of desilting had been completed by Friday; the deadline was June 30. Officials said work is underway at some divisions and will be done in a couple of days.

On why repairs on permanent pumps were not carried out in advance, officials claimed, “Work was in the final stage. The last date was June 30 but the rain arrived three days earlier than expected.”

Another senior official said the PWD is also planning to carry out a third-party inspection of all pumps deployed on its roads. “The entire department, especially road-maintenance divisions, have been sensitised to ensure appropriate preparatory action to avoid waterlogging and to take prompt action,” said officials.

Officials said the first phase of desilting of all stormwater drains was completed on Sunday (June 30). The second phase will start after the initial rain and will continue throughout the monsoon period.

All divisions were also directed to remove silt extracted from drains within 24 hours so it does not enter the drain again.

Further, all divisions and engineers concerned have been directed to pay special attention to 214 vulnerable locations under the PWD’s jurisdiction and take measures such as deployment of temporary pumps, minor alteration in drains and deployment of sufficient manpower.

The PWD has also given directions for “remodeling drains, improving their outfall in coordination with the department concerned, and constructing pump houses at the required location as per feasibility. Besides, directions have been given to deploy tractor-mounted movable/portable pumps.

“Nine pumps having 50 horsepower have been deployed on the Ring Road starting from SPA Marg, Tilak Bridge Ring Road, Mathura Road, Ghata Masjid till Hanuman Setu,” said an official.

Rs 10 lakh relief to kin of those who drowned: Govt

The Delhi government Sunday announced Rs 10 lakh compensation to families of those who died after drowning due to the heavy rain that took place Friday. “It has been reported that there were several deaths due to drowning on June 28, after the extreme rainfall of 228 mm. It is hereby directed that families of all those who lost their lives shall be provided a compensation of Rs 10 lakh,” Revenue Minister Atishi said in an order. She also directed ACS Revenue to coordinate with area hospitals and Delhi Police to identify those who lost their lives.