'No Excuses': Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Warns Action Against Officials Over Waterlogging

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta warned officials on waterlogging, promised slum housing, denied demolitions, and accused AAP of misinformation.

CM Rekha Gupta asserted waterlogging situation remained under control this time despite heavy rain.

Source : PTI

New Delhi, May 26 (PTI) Officials will be taken to task if waterlogging occurs in areas they are responsible for, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta warned on Monday, a day after many parts of the city complained of flooded streets following overnight showers.

She, however, asserted that the waterlogging situation remained under control this time despite heavy rain.

Inaugurating sewer, gas, and water pipelines in her Shalimar Bagh assembly segment, she also announced that no slums will be demolished in the city unless their residents are provided permanent houses.

She accused the Aam Aadmi Party of spreading lies about slum demolition through WhatsApp.

"We have allocated Rs 700 crore for drains, streets, toilets, bathrooms, and parks in the slums through DUSIB. I promise that slum dwellers will be provided pucca houses and till then you will live safely and stay put with all facilities," the chief minister said.

About Delhi's waterlogging issues, Gupta said last month, officials were made responsible for each waterlogging point, and action was taken against officers after the Minto Bridge underpass got submerged following the overnight rain on Sunday.

"I want the officers deputed to monitor waterlogging points to do their work properly or they may be the next to face action," she told reporters.

At another event, Gupta said despite heavy rainfall, the waterlogging situation remained under control. "Delhi has been witnessing waterlogging for years. There has been record rainfall thrice -- accompanied by thunderstorms. Despite that, the situation in the city remained under control," Gupta pointed out.

The chief minister said the water got drained out in a timely following the rain and thanked the desilting efforts for it. "The amount of desilting that has taken place in Delhi this time is historic. We have removed 30 lakh metric tonnes of sludge and rubbish." Asserting that the waterlogging issue was not that significant this time, Gupta expressed confidence that the issue would be completely eradicated in the days to come.

The chief minister pointed out that a nodal officer has been appointed for each waterlogging point. "Under their supervision, the drains are being surveyed. Wherever any deficiency is found, action will definitely be taken against the officer. Delhi roads will not get waterlogged like they used to be earlier." Emphasising the government would not allow water to stagnate on the roads, she said the work of cleaning the drains is going on in full swing at this time.

(This report has been published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. Apart from the headline, no editing has been done in the copy by ABP Live.)