Delhi LG VK Saxena Inspects Flooded Drains and Historic Bridge at Nizamuddin
On Sunday, the Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Delhi, Vinai Kumar Saxena, visited the Barapulla, Kushak, and Sunehri drains at Nizamuddin. This inspection followed severe waterlogging in Delhi, which led to over 300 complaints and tragic incidents, including the death of three students in a waterlogged basement at an IAS coaching institute in Old Rajinder Nagar.
LG Saxena expressed his concerns on social media, describing the situation as ‘appalling and shameful.’ He emphasized the need for urgent corrective measures to ensure the smooth flow of water and prevent flooding. He pointed out that the three main drains under the Irrigation and Flood Control Department (I&FCD) and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) had not been desilted or unclogged for years.
During his visit, LG Saxena noted that many culverts under the Barapulla, Sunehri, and Kushak drains were choked, significantly reducing their water-carrying capacity. He also highlighted the encroachment of the ASI-protected historic Barapulla bridge, where only five out of twelve culverts were partially open.
LG Saxena instructed officials to immediately desilt and clear the clogged drains, remove debris and construction waste, and clear encroachments on the Barapulla bridge. He set a deadline of one week to restore the bridge to its original state.
Doubts Revealed
Delhi LG -: Delhi LG stands for Delhi Lieutenant Governor. He is a high-ranking official who helps in governing the city of Delhi.
VK Saxena -: VK Saxena is the name of the current Lieutenant Governor of Delhi. His full name is Vinai Kumar Saxena.
Nizamuddin -: Nizamuddin is a famous area in Delhi, known for its historic sites and monuments.
Barapulla, Kushak, and Sunehri drains -: These are large drains in Delhi that help carry rainwater and waste water away from the city to prevent flooding.
Waterlogging -: Waterlogging happens when too much water collects on the ground, making it difficult for people and vehicles to move around.
Appalling and shameful -: These words mean very bad and embarrassing. VK Saxena used them to describe the poor condition of the drains.
Culverts -: Culverts are small tunnels or pipes that allow water to flow under roads or railways.
Desilt -: Desilt means to remove mud, sand, and other debris from the bottom of drains or rivers to keep the water flowing smoothly.
Encroachments -: Encroachments are illegal buildings or structures that take up space where they shouldn’t be, like on public land or historic sites.
Historic Barapulla bridge -: The Barapulla bridge is an old and important bridge in Delhi, which has historical significance.
