Monsoon Chaos: Traffic Jams and Tragedy in Delhi

For several years, we've observed that the onset of the monsoon brings challenges. In some places, there are floods, while in others, waterlogging occurs. This time, the situation has exceeded all boundaries. It's often remarked that we truly understand the impact when it affects us directly. From the comfort of our homes and offices, we read newspapers and watch TV news, contemplating that with rain, some issue is bound to arise. While attending an event at Maurya Hotel on the 9th, I chose not to eat there as I planned to dine with my children later. Upon leaving the hotel at 8 o'clock, I encountered a severe traffic jam due to the rain, and the car was at a standstill. I was quite hungry, and my sons kept calling to ask where I was. When they learned about the traffic situation, Aditya suggested that I watch reels on my phone to pass the time. Akash called to say he was waiting for you, and occasionally Arjun called too. There was water everywhere, causing a massive traffic jam. The most frustrating part was the absence of a traffic officer to help clear the vehicles. An ambulance was stuck, with the driver desperately sounding the siren. Vehicles were getting stuck in the rush to move forward. It was jammed for an hour at the Punjabi Bagh bridge, and then it took 40 minutes to make a U-turn in front of our office, which was only possible with great effort from our security staff. The building was visible ahead, and Google Maps indicated 40 minutes. I finally got home at 11:30, and the kids and I were relieved. We had dinner at 11:30 and couldn't sleep until 1 am.

After returning home, I pondered about the many people who might be stuck, eager to use the bathroom, some might be ill, and others elderly. I couldn't sleep that night. The next morning, as I opened the newspaper, I was confronted with a story about a young man who fell into a ditch while riding his bicycle. His friend shouted for help, but no one responded. The boy, named Gaurav, had traveled from Bihar to Delhi to visit his uncle. The road was completely jammed due to water accumulation. Unaware of an open drain manhole on the sidewalk, he fell into it, and his body was discovered hours later. My maternal instincts were deeply pained. A mother's son lost his life due to administrative negligence.

Is the country's metro infrastructure deteriorating? Observing metros submerged after just a few hours of rain provides the answer. Decades ago, monsoon rains would gently fall throughout the week without causing waterlogging, but today's rainfall patterns have shifted. A few hours of rain now lead to flooding. The administrative system, once full of grand promises, has also evolved, and it's crucial to recognize the distress of those stuck in traffic jams for hours due to rain. Metros and cities, both large and small, turn into lakes, with cars floating. The primary cause is the growing population burden and the chaotic, uncontrolled urban development. Despite the construction of numerous flyovers, roads, and elevated highways, they soon appear insufficient. Illegal encroachments, roadside constructions, unauthorized colony developments, and the failure to strengthen and expand infrastructure to match the rising population have resulted in inadequate drainage systems.

If individuals are caught in traffic jams for five hours within Delhi and up to Gurugram, political blame won't suffice; our leaders must recognize this. About ten years ago, when Delhi and Gurugram experienced flooding, neighborhoods with lake views saw a sea-like view on the Delhi-Gurugram highway. Naturally, at that time, everyone who left their offices for home after 6 pm was stuck in traffic for 5 to 6 hours due to the challenging conditions caused by rain. There was no system for water drainage. Delhi, being the capital, and Gurugram, establishing itself as a major industrial city, face these issues. Today, people cite examples of potholes on Gurugram's roads or roads filled with potholes. These potholes, ignored by the administration, become significant challenges during rainy days. The reality is that timely work is essential for smooth operations. In our country, solutions are sought only when problems arise, which is a flawed tradition. The true solution is to find solutions before problems occur.

The administration should provide updates to the public about its activities. Both the bureaucrats managing the departments and the ministers overseeing them should inform the public about the readiness of drainage pumps in various areas. Additionally, the old infrastructure is deteriorating, with rusted and damaged pipes that have been in place for years. The sewerage lines need replacement, and the cleaning of sewers and drains, including the removal of silt, has been neglected. This issue is not limited to Delhi, Gurugram, or any part of the NCR; it affects the entire country. There are numerous reasons for the worsening conditions and serious situations following rainfall. The country lacks robust infrastructure, and its renewal is essential, along with timely inspections before each monsoon. The sewerage and underground drainage systems cannot be assessed during light rain; their condition becomes apparent only after heavy rainfall. Promises alone are insufficient; officials should conduct regular reviews, and ministers should personally inspect areas prone to waterlogging. My main concern is why people traveling to and from Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, or Noida are stuck in traffic jams for hours due to waterlogging. It's time to implement effective solutions. The administration must determine how to address this issue. In the past, rain was a cause for celebration, with people enjoying kheer-puri and hot pakodas at home, but now it has become a source of fear.