Vasant Kunj, the upscale colony of South Delhi was among several areas across the Capital that woke up to its Block areas and internal roads choked with water after Delhi saw a heavy spell of rain on 28 June with the onset of the monsoon. Many residents complained of drainage backflow. At the car market hub, several shops were inundated with water. Highlighting the unprecedented flooding, a senior citizen residing in Vasant Kunj for over 35 years said, “I have not seen anything like this in the last so many years. Timely desilting did not take place, resulting in widespread flooding. Further many areas were completely waterlogged, and water entered the ground floor flats.” The Block areas got submerged up to 4-5 feet. The water reached some lift areas, causing the electricity to be cut. Water was flowing back, causing sewage to flow into the ground floor residences, even though Vasant Kunj is supposedly an affluent area. Other Colony residents pointed out that no efforts were made to improve the drainage system ahead of the monsoon. It was also noted that in the Colony many trees fell down. MCD had come to desilt the drains a few days ago, but they left the silt on the side of the drains — it flowed back inside after the rain. Criticising the MCD, another resident said, “We pay a high property tax, but civic amenities are not commensurate with the money collected.” Reasons for this serious issue of waterlogging and resultant problems are many.
