2024-08-03 11:09:47
Delhi Rain: Delhi-NCR received heavy rain since yesterday evening. Its effect was also seen in the markets of the national capital. Last night itself, markets like Kashmiri Gate, Chandni Chowk, Dariba Kalan, Kinari Bazaar, Kucha Mahajani, Kamala Nagar, Sadar Bazaar, Khari Baoli, Naya Bazaar, Tilak Bazaar, Connaught Place, Laxmi Nagar, Karol Bagh, Rajendra Nagar were flooded. Water filled the shops and warehouses located in these areas. Wherever there is residence in these areas, there was also the problem of water logging.
All the arrangements failed
Abhishek Ganedivala, General Secretary of Asharfi Katra Committee, says that due to rain, many Katras in Chandni Chowk were flooded. Traders and employees were delayed for hours in reaching home from the markets. Vehicles got stuck in traffic jams at various places on the road. The leaders and officials sitting in the government only talk. They talk about all the arrangements before the rains, but no one is finding a solution. Every year the market faces the problem of waterlogging during the rains. Despite being the capital of the country, there is no adequate arrangement for drainage here. Now who will take responsibility for the shops and warehouses where goods have been ruined due to water entering?
One kilometer journey in two hours
Former head of Chemical Merchant Association Sushil Goyal says that after rain, there is unimaginable traffic jam at major crossings of Delhi. Yesterday at 7 pm, it took more than 2 hours to reach Red Fort from Old Delhi Railway Station. Many times, we ourselves are the main reason for the jam. From the main crossing of Pul Lothian, ‘Goswami Tulsidas Chowk’, there are roads leading to East Delhi, West Delhi, Ring Road, Central Delhi. Despite the traffic lights working, drivers were seen moving in the opposite direction. There is a cluster of cars, buses, bikes, scooters and e-rickshaws at the crossings. Getting out of there becomes a big achievement. The traffic police should show seriousness in clearing the jam during rains.
Enjoy lakes, waterfalls and rain in Delhi
President of Delhi Goods Transport Organisation, Rajendra Kapoor, seems to be mocking the administrative system. He says that people do not get rid of the habit of complaining. Stay ‘B+tive’. Where do the people of Delhi go in the summer season to enjoy the lakes, waterfalls and rain, and spend so much? Here the same fun is available for free with the whole family, so why are you getting upset? If this happens continuously for a few years, then believe me, every party will mention in the election manifesto that we will promote the tourism industry in the rainy season or the work of promoting it has been done under the plan of our Chief Minister and our Lieutenant Governor. They will even start taking credit for it.
I’m scared of the rain now
Devendra Jain, General Secretary of Federation of Delhi Trade Association, says that now when it rains in Delhi, people are scared to step out of their homes or offices. If any family member, friend, relative or relative is outside the home, they start getting worried. One does not know when which sewer will be open? Whether there is any current in any road or pole. Any accident should not happen. All the traders should together shut down Delhi for a day. So that, some pressure is put on the government. Some concrete decision can be taken. The officers sitting in the departments will take notice and work can be done on a war footing.
Cleaning of drains is always on paper
Virag Jain, President of Shanti Mohalla Traders Association, says that even after the incident in Rajendra Nagar, Delhi, the government and administration have not paid any heed. Several feet of water has filled the roads. The entire system of the government has failed. Cleaning of all the big drains is always done only on paper. Traders pay so much tax, yet they are deprived of basic facilities. The news of the plight of Delhi’s markets spreads across the country and the world, which harms the business. There are many wholesale and retail markets here.
Traders from outside stopped coming
Vipin Ahuja, a businessman from Delhi Cantt, says that due to waterlogging, Delhi’s markets have become chaotic. Traders are bearing the brunt. In many markets, sewer water entered shops and warehouses. This spoiled a lot of goods. Right now we cannot even estimate the loss of how many crores. We will know when business establishments open during the day. Now traders from outside Delhi have stopped coming.