G20 Summit: Waterlogging At Bharat Mandapam Sparks Controversy, Centre Dismisses Claim As 'Exaggerated'

Waterlogging at G20 Summit venue, Bharat Mandapam, sparks social media uproar. PIB Fact Check debunks 'exaggeration,' citing swift resolution.

Bharat Mandapam convention centre, the venue for the G20 Summit, during rain in New Delhi, Sunday. ( Image Source :PTI Images )

Visuals of waterlogging at Bharat Mandapam, the expansive venue for the G20 Summit situated in New Delhi's Pragati Maidan, circulated widely on social media on Sunday (September 10). The flooding at the venue prompted strong reactions from social media users and political parties, including Congress and AAP. However, the Press Information Bureau's fact-checking wing stated that the Bharat Mandapam area experienced "minor water logging" and was cleared of waterlogging "within 20 minutes".

A video claims that there is waterlogging at venue of #G20Summit #PIBFactCheck:

✔️This claim is exaggerated and misleading

✔️Minor water logging in open area was swiftly cleared as pumps were pressed into action after overnight rains

✔️No water logging at venue presently pic.twitter.com/JiWzWx1riZ

— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) September 10, 2023

Earlier in the day, a video depicting waterlogging at the primary area of Bharat Mandapam was shared on X (formerly Twitter). The footage showed staff employing machinery to clear the water.

The matter was deemed serious by AAP leader and Delhi's Minister of Urban Development, Saurabh Bharadwaj, who directed questions about the water-logging during the global event to Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena.

"This is very serious. Even after over 50 inspections, if the primary area around Mandapam is submerged in water, then there must be accountability. As Minister of Delhi, I don't have jurisdiction over this Central Government area," Bharadwaj said on X.

Resp @LtGovDelhi saab,
This is very serious. Even after ur 50+ inspections, if the very main area around Mandapam is submerged in water, then heads must roll. I as Minister of Delhi don’t have control over this Central Govt area, else would have assisted u sir. pic.twitter.com/hn0dSBSA78

— Saurabh Bharadwaj (@Saurabh_MLAgk) September 10, 2023

Congress also expressed dissatisfaction via X regarding the waterlogging in the main area of Bharat Mandapam. The party highlighted the expenditure of Rs 2,700 crores to construct Bharat Mandapam for hosting world leaders at the G20 Summit and criticised the BJP's claims of development as "hollow".

The Public Works Department (PWD) acknowledged the waterlogging, indicating that VVIP routes and areas near the G20 venue, including Rajghat, Akshardham, and Ring Road, remained unaffected and continued to operate smoothly.

The Indian Express quoted a senior PWD official who stated, "There was continuous rainfall throughout the night, resulting in minor water stagnation at certain points, which was not significant. We have emergency vehicles and staff on the ground to address such situations. Everything is currently functioning smoothly and the area is clear".