Delhi hit by overnight rainfall, key areas flooded as IMD predicts more showers

Heavy showers hit several parts of Delhi on Sunday, offering a welcome break from the sticky heat but creating trouble on the roads. Waterlogging was reported from major areas including Connaught Place, Minto Bridge, Vijay Chowk, Sarojini Nagar, AIIMS and Panchkuian Marg. These are some of the busiest zones in the city, and the downpour left many commuters stranded or delayed.

The rain, while not unexpected, caught many off guard. Just a few hours of precipitation were enough to turn central roads into pools, triggering major traffic jams and blocked routes. Residents in Janpath, Lajpat Nagar and other pockets reported similar conditions.

Delhi Rains: IMD’s forecast matches reality

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had earlier warned of “light to moderate rainfall accompanied by light thunderstorm and lightning” in parts of NCR including Bahadurgarh and Manesar. In a post on X, the IMD added, “Light rainfall is very likely to occur over the entire Delhi-NCR, including Loni Dehat, Hindon AF Station, Ghaziabad, Indirapuram, Chhapraula, Noida, Greater Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad, and Ballabhgarh.”

Looking ahead, rainfall might not bring much relief elsewhere. According to the IMD, monsoon activity remains weak across central India, including Maharashtra. A senior IMD official noted that subdued rainfall is likely to continue in the core monsoon zone for at least the next two weeks.

Kejriwal hits out at BJP govt over flooding

As visuals of flooded streets spread on social media, political tensions rose swiftly. On July 29, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal posted a video of waterlogged Connaught Place, targeting the BJP-led city administration.

Kejriwal wrote on X, "When this is the condition of Connaught Place, the heart of Delhi, it's not hard to imagine the state of the rest of Delhi. Just 10 minutes of rain and the roads have turned into ponds. In 5 months, where has the BJP brought Delhi to? Is this the speed of the '4-engine' government?"

He also commented in Hindi, questioning how a brief spell of rain could paralyse one of the capital’s busiest areas, and asking if this was the promised pace of development under BJP rule.

More criticism from AAP ranks

AAP leader and Delhi minister Saurabh Bhardwaj added to the criticism, pointing out a specific case in the ITO area. In another post on X, he wrote, "This is Delhi's ITO. On July 9, LG Sahab and PWD Minister Parvesh Verma had come here to inspect the waterlogging work, congratulating each other for the good work. Today, with waterlogging again, please accept my congratulations as well."

His tone underlined the frustration among city residents who feel that the infrastructure improvements promised earlier remain only on paper.

Government responds with inspections

In response to mounting criticism, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta conducted a surprise inspection of the ITO area on Tuesday. After speaking with locals, she said instructions had been given to officials for faster and more effective drainage management.

In her post on X, Gupta wrote, "Today, a surprise inspection of the waterlogging situation was conducted in ITO. Interacted with local people to gather information about the actual situation. Clear instructions have been given to officials to ensure proper arrangements for prompt water drainage during heavy rainfall."

She added that her government is identifying all flood-prone areas and working on a long-term solution.
"The Delhi government is identifying all those areas in the capital where waterlogging occurs repeatedly during the rains. Work is being expedited on a plan for modern drainage systems, real-time monitoring, and rapid response units to provide permanent solutions at these locations. Our goal is- a Delhi where the monsoon becomes a relief, not a trouble," she said.

Delhi's flooding problem

This isn’t the first time heavy rain has exposed Delhi’s fragile urban planning. Every year, the monsoon highlights gaps in drainage systems and civic coordination. While the IMD’s forecasts offer some lead time, structural fixes are often too slow or poorly implemented. Despite repeated inspections and high-level meetings, the reality on ground often remains the same.

With the monsoon not yet over, residents are bracing for more rain and hoping the city’s services can keep up. As political leaders trade barbs, the waterlogged streets tell their own story.