Delhi Traffic Police identifies 169 waterlogging hotspots, implements monsoon preparedness plan

New Delhi, Jul 8 (PTI) Following two days of heavy rain that triggered traffic congestion at several key stretches, the Delhi Traffic Police identified 169 waterlogging-prone traffic hotspots across the national capital and implemented a comprehensive monsoon preparedness plan, a senior officer said on Wednesday. The officer said widespread traffic snarls plagued the city over the past two days as persistent rainfall slowed vehicular movement across several arterial roads, including ITO, Rohtak Road, NH-48, Ring Road, Punjabi Bagh, and Shadipur. Low-lying areas also experienced water accumulation, which affected traffic flow during peak hours. A senior officer said the department completed preparations before the onset of the monsoon by identifying locations that have historically experienced waterlogging and traffic bottlenecks. "A total of 169 traffic hotspots vulnerable to waterlogging have been identified across Delhi. Adequate traffic personnel have been deployed at these locations to ensure smooth movement of vehicles and immediate response in case of water accumulation," the officer said. He said the Delhi Traffic Police is maintaining constant coordination with civic agencies responsible for drainage and road maintenance to ensure that waterlogging is cleared at the earliest. The officer said fixed water pumps have been installed at designated vulnerable locations in coordination with the concerned agencies. Arrangements have also been made to deploy mobile pumping units wherever required. He said all Traffic Inspectors (TIs) have been instructed to stay in touch with designated contact persons from civic agencies so that any complaint relating to waterlogging can be addressed without delay. "In case any road becomes severely waterlogged, traffic diversions will be implemented immediately, and commuters will be informed through the Delhi Traffic Police's social media platforms about alternate routes," he said. The officer said elaborate traffic management plans have also been prepared for the New Delhi and Central Delhi areas, particularly in view of frequent VIP movements. "Whenever traffic diversions become necessary due to security arrangements or weather-related conditions, information is disseminated well in advance through social media so that the public can plan their journey accordingly," he said. Referring to the rainfall over the last two days, he said no major waterlogging had been reported so far, although traffic movement slowed at several locations. He said senior officers are continuously monitoring the situation from the field as well as through the traffic control network to ensure prompt deployment wherever required. "To ensure uninterrupted field operations during the monsoon, traffic personnel have been provided with raincoats, gumboots and waterproof boots so they can continue regulating traffic round the clock despite adverse weather conditions. The arrangements have also been made to safeguard the health and well-being of personnel deployed on roads for long hours during heavy rain," he said. He said the movement and response of field staff are being monitored, and the Delhi Traffic Police is prepared to tackle any traffic or waterlogging situation arising during the ongoing monsoon season. PTI BM ASD ASD