BJP targets Delhi govt for water woes, flooding after rain; AAP strikes back

NEW DELHI: BJP on Monday slammed AAP govt over waterlogging in the city, saying its “incompetence” was responsible for flooding during the recent rains and the scarcity of drinking water.
Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva alleged the govt had identified several dangerous waterlogging spots, but most of these locations had non-functional pumps. “On June 28, hundreds of permanent water drainage pumps installed by Public Works Department were not operational.According to our information, they were non-functional because they did not have diesel,” alleged Sachdeva.
Countering the charges, AAP said, “BJP-led central government governs NDMC. Maximum flooding has been seen under its area, for which BJP is responsible. They are pointing fingers at Delhi govt to hide from the reality of flooding in MPs, ministers and judges’ homes.”
“There is clearly corruption in NDMC that has led to this severe flooding. Never before have the homes of MPs, ministers and judges been flooded. What has happened to all the funds earmarked for desilting? Have all the funds been embezzled? The onus is on BJP and central govt,” said AAP.
“Not only this, poorly designed infrastructure built for the G20 Summit is also causing waterlogging. The entire Bharat Mandapam Complex is waterlogged. The ITPO tunnels are waterlogged. Therefore, BJP must stop pointing fingers and answer questions about their own work in NDMC,” the party added.
Attacking AAP, Sachdeva said even pumps installed by Delhi Jal Board, the flood department and Municipal Corporation of Delhi were not working. “Two days after the flooding, minister Atishi visited the pumping station at Minto Road Bridge, and even then, several pumps were not operational,” he alleged.
At the Bharti Nagar pumping station, the pumps of Public Works Department were found to be non-functional on June 28, and the situation has not improved satisfactorily, he alleged.
Sachdeva claimed this year, no additional temporary water drainage pumps were rented and installed, like they usually are every monsoon season. “Kejriwal govt’s argument is that the necessary tender could not be issued due to the model code of conduct. However, this govt, engrossed in securing CM’s bail and fighting elections, did not pay attention to this essential task,” he alleged.