Delhi, July 16, 2023: The national capital, still grappling with the aftermath of recent floods, experienced a short but heavy rainfall on Saturday evening, exacerbating the hardships of its residents. The downpour resulted in continued waterlogging on several roads, severely impacting traffic movement. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted further rainfall for Sunday, adding to the woes of thousands of people currently seeking shelter in relief camps.
According to a Hindustan Times report, the Safdarjung Observatory recorded 12.8mm of rainfall between 5.30 pm and 8.30 pm on Saturday. During the same period, Lodhi Road, Palam, and Pusa witnessed 11 mm, 18.2mm, and 29.5 mm of rainfall, respectively.
The brief spell of rain provided some respite from the scorching heat as the maximum temperature dropped to 34.6 degrees Celsius (°C), one degree below normal. The minimum temperature settled at 27.1 degrees Celsius. The city’s pollution levels remained in the “satisfactory” range, with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reporting an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 100 over the past 24 hours.
However, waterlogging persisted in several areas of the national capital on Sunday. The water level in the Yamuna River reached 206.02 meters at 8 AM, with visuals showing water touching the walls of the Red Fort along the Ring Road. On a positive note, the waterlogging situation improved on the roads from Kashmere Gate to Majnu Ka Tila.
Amidst the challenging conditions, the Aam Adami Party (AAP), the ruling party in Delhi, accused the Central Government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of orchestrating a conspiracy to flood the city with water from Haryana’s Hathnikund Barrage.
While the blame game between the Delhi and Haryana governments continues, Delhi Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Atishi accused the Haryana government of intentionally releasing water from the Hathini Kund Barrage. In response, Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij stated that his government is not blaming anyone and is instead focusing on making necessary arrangements, acknowledging that water has also come from other states.
