Delhi floods: Kejriwal deploys ministers in the field; BJP criticizes AAP – 10 points

In response to the ongoing flood situation in Delhi, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has tasked ministers to oversee the relief camps set up in the affected districts. The minister will ensure that essential facilities like food, water, toilets and electricity are provided to the affected people. However, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of inaction and corruption for the floods. The BJP demanded an apology from Chief Minister Kejriwal for failing to handle the situation. As the Yamuna river water recedes, efforts are on to stabilize the situation and reopen water treatment plants.

1. Delhi government deputes ministers to oversee relief camps in flood-affected districts

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal held a cabinet meeting to deal with the flood situation in Delhi and appointed ministers to oversee relief camps in the affected districts. The minister will ensure that proper facilities including food, water, toilets and electricity are provided in these camps.

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2. BJP blames AAP government for floods, demands apology

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) blamed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for the flood situation in Delhi, alleging inaction and corruption. The BJP demanded an apology from Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for “failing” to handle the situation.

3. The Yamuna river is receding, but the breach in the river has caused waterlogging

While the water level of the Yamuna river is showing signs of receding, a breach in the embankment has led to water-logging in some areas of Delhi, including around the ITO and Supreme Court complex. The flood water also entered the Mahatma Gandhi memorial at Rajghat.

4. First death reported as three boys drown in flood waters

Tragically, three boys drowned in flood waters in northwest Delhi, which is the first death reported in the city after the Yamuna water crossed the danger mark. The Delhi Fire Services director attributed the deaths to a gap at the metro construction site, but the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation denied any such incident took place at their site.

5. Efforts to stabilize the situation and reopen water treatment plants

Okhla water treatment plant has been reopened due to low water level. Chief Minister Kejriwal announced that the Wazirabad and Chandrawal water treatment plants would also be restarted if the Yamuna’s water level continued to decrease.

6. Army’s sealed embankment breached, vehicular movement affected

The Army has successfully sealed the breached embankment at Indraprastha Regulator to prevent further flooding in Delhi. However, the breach caused water to enter the city through a drain, which disrupted vehicular movement on Vikas Marg and had to be closed.

7. Delhi minister alleges delay in NDRF deployment, stresses on teamwork

Delhi minister Saurabh Bhardwaj expressed concern over the delay in deployment of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to repair the regulator. The Lt Governor advised to avoid the blame game and stressed on the importance of teamwork during this crisis.

8. Haryana government responsible for floods, AAP alleges

AAP leader Sanjay Singh blamed the BJP-led Haryana government for releasing water from Hathnikund barrage, resulting in flood situation in Delhi. Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva accused the AAP government of shirking responsibility and shifting the blame to other states, as they did during the Covid pandemic.

9. Rescue operation launched for vulnerable groups

Amid flood-like situation, Delhi Police rescued over 60 students from the School for the Blind in Kingsway Camp. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) also rescued 60 dogs and 50 cows stranded at an animal shelter home in Mayur Vihar due to floods.

10. Crematorium closed, traffic restrictions in force

Several cremation grounds near Yamuna including Nigambodh Ghat, Geeta Colony, Wazirabad and Sarai Kale Khan have been closed due to floods. Traffic restrictions have been imposed on Vikas Marg and Mahatma Gandhi Marg, causing hindrance in vehicular movement. Delhi Traffic Police has deployed personnel for traffic management and assistance to commuters.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a ‘yellow’ alert for Saturday, predicting moderate rain and thundershowers. The situation in the flood affected areas of Delhi is being closely monitored and relief efforts are on.