Deja vu: Uprooted trees, waterlogging, traffic jams
New Delhi: When heavy rain and gusty winds lashed Delhi on Sunday morning, many office-goers breathed a sigh of relief — after all, it was not a hectic weekday. But for those on the road, it was a different story.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
Delhi Traffic Police, PWD control room, MCD, and NDMC were flooded with distress calls, reporting waterlogging at nearly 100 locations.
Underpasses were among the worst hit. Among these was one in Delhi Cantonment, where visuals showed cars almost fully submerged in the underpass. Another video showed a car almost completely under water at Minto Road, a waterlogging hotspot.
ITO and Connaught Place also saw waterlogging.
Early visuals showed inundation near the Hanuman Temple in Connaught Place and the Shivaji Metro station. In ITO, commuters waded through flooded roads.
Strong gusts of wind blew across the city before the rain poured down, uprooting trees throughout central Delhi. On Akbar Road, the wind knocked down multiple trees in a concentrated area.
The NH-48 stretch from Dhaula Kuan to Gurgaon became a nightmare for commuters.
Sources said that only one lane was barely usable, leading to massive traffic snarls. Other notorious hotspots — Dhaula Kuan to Naraina flyover loop, New Delhi Railway Station's Paharganj side, Majnu Ka Tila, Zakir Hussain flyover underpass, Rohtak Road, and the infamous Minto Bridge underpass — were all severely waterlogged.
Delhi Traffic Police issued real-time alerts on social media. One read: "Traffic Alert: Varun Marg near Kotla Mubarakpur is affected by waterlogging.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
Please plan your journey accordingly." Another urged commuters to avoid GTK Road near Jahangirpuri metro station. The Azad Market underpass also had to be shut to traffic due to flooding. The road to Terminal 3 of IGI Airport remained waterlogged, inconveniencing travellers.
Junctions such as ITO and Dhaula Kuan saw vehicles wading through flooded stretches. Upscale Chanakyapuri, home to several foreign embassies, wasn't spared either.
Frustrated commuters took to social media to vent. One user wrote: "Traffic jam at Airport Road near RR Hospital in Dhaula Kuan. Water on the road is severely affecting traffic towards the airport." Another fumed: "Huge waterlogging resulting jams at 5am — sheer incompetence of GNCTD officers."
UPSC aspirants were hit hard. One person wrote: "Late arrival of flight 6E 6076 (24 May), scheduled to land in Delhi at 2am on 25 May.
Unfortunately, it was delayed by approximately 7 hours and arrived only at 8.45am. As a result, my wife was unable to attend the UPSC exam at 9.30am in Sector 4, Gurgaon. Despite planning in advance with sufficient buffer time, the delay rendered our efforts futile."
As helpful suggestions poured in for UPSC aspirants, many urged candidates to leave at least 30 minutes early and use the metro instead of risking road delays.
One user wrote: "Mera UPSC ka centre iss school me hai. Aur isi school ke entry gate ke pass lohe ka ek gate hai jaha pani bahut bhara hai aur electricity ka ek pole bhi gira hai," highlighting electrocution risk.
Traffic officials said that as soon as they received information, it was transferred to the civic agency, and regular messaging was done through social media. PWD received around 45 calls related to waterlogging. There was flooding in Pragati Maidan Tunnel, Azadpur, Mukarba Chowk, and underpasses like Dwarka and Minto Road Bridge.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
a day ago
- Indian Express
Delhi News Live Updates: Maximum temperature likely to soar to 45 degree Celsius in Capital
Delhi News Today Live Updates: Third day in a row, the Capital city woke up to a warm morning, with the minimum temperature settling at 27.2 degrees Celsius, the India Meteorological Department said. On Monday, the IMD issued an orange alert till Wednesday, amid the ongoing heatwave. According to the IMD, very hot weather will persist in Delhi until at least June 12. Demolition drive launched in Bhoomiheen camp: Amid heavy police deployment, the authorities Wednesday carried out demolition drive in the Bhoomiheen camp in southeast Delhi 's Govindpuri. According to the officials, over 300 jhuggis will be destroyed built on government's land. 'We have deployed adequate police force, along with paramilitary forces, to carry out the demolition peacefully. No one will be allowed to breach law and order,' the official said. At the demolition site, bulldozers were seen razing houses to the ground. The action comes days after the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) pasted eviction notices on houses in the jhuggi-jhopri camp, warning 'encroachers' to leave the spot within three days, or face action. Gates, big drains planned along Yamuna to stem flooding during rain: Delhi will soon see 12 gates near the Yamuna and big drains to prevent flooding on roads during the monsoon. The Public Works Department (PWD) is doing this to prevent backwater flow from Irrigation and Flood Control (I & FC) drains to PWD drains and ultimately roads, this monsoon. In 2023, the Ring Road stretch from Vikas Marg from Indraprastha Bridge till the ITO intersection and stretch towards Kashmere Gate was flooded even after the rains stopped. The flooding happened after a regulator installed at the drain number 12 near IP Metro station broke, following which water from the Yamuna came onto the main roads.
News18
4 days ago
- News18
Maharashtra's Samruddhi Expressway: What Are Entry Points From Mumbai? Have Toll Charges Been Hiked?
Last Updated: Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway: From where can Mumbaiites enter the Hindu Hrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg? What are the toll charges for 701-km stretch? The final stretch of the 701-km Hindu Hrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg between Igatpuri in Nashik district and Amane in Thane district was inaugurated on Thursday, making the Mumbai-Nagpur expressway fully operational. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also revealed plans to extend the expressway's connectivity to the upcoming Vadhavan Port in Palghar district, aiming to boost the route's economic impact. What are the toll charges? What is the entry point for those going from Mumbai? News18 answers all questions. A truly historic and emotional moment – the dream of a 'Samruddha' Maharashtra has come true!'Hinduhrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg' is now complete —it's not just a road, but a strong step towards a brighter was only possible because… — Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) June 6, 2025 MUMBAI TO NAGPUR IN 7 HOURS The high-speed corridor cuts the travel time between Mumbai and Nagpur to seven hours. The travel time between Amane and Igatpuri has been halved to just 40 minutes. The cost of the project was Rs 55,335 crore. It led to the acquisition of more than 8,800 hectares of land from around 24,000 farmers in 10 districts. The expressway starts from Amane in the adjoining Thane district. Those travelling from Mumbai can reach Amane in a little over two hours. Those joining the expressway at Ghoti need not take the steep Kasara Ghat climb on the Mumbai-Nashik Highway. They can now use the new route with an elevation gain of only 160 metres. For commuters travelling from Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, the nearest access point for Samruddhi Mahamarg is near Bhiwandi, close to Shangrila Water Park, via the existing Mumbai-Nashik Highway. The Maharashtra government has proposed the expansion and eight-laning of a crucial 23-km stretch from Thane to Vadape, near the entry point of the expressway. 'The final phase of the Samruddhi Mahamarg will boost commuter flow significantly…!''समृद्धी महामार्ग संपूर्णपणे सुरू झाल्यामुळे महामार्गावरील वाहतुकीत मोठी वाढ होणार…!'(पत्रकार परिषद | इगतपुरी, नाशिक | 5-6-2025) #Maharashtra #Nashik #SamruddhiMahamarg — Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) June 5, 2025 TOLL CHARGES A June 4 notification from the state's Public Works Department (PWD) said the toll rates will increase in two phases — the first already effective since April 1, 2025, and the next from April 1, 2028. A final hike will be implemented from April 2031 and will be valid until December 10, 2032. The revised per-kilometre toll rates are as follows: For the entire 701-km journey, the new toll charges will be: The project, lauded for its record-speed execution, incorporates 73 bridges, eco-sensitive underpasses and overpasses for wildlife, five twin tunnels, and 22 facility centres along the route. top videos View all It also includes India's largest highway tunnel system equipped with automatic cooling mechanisms and provisions for 200 MW of solar power generation. The expressway, positioned as Maharashtra's economic corridor, now connects 24 districts directly to JNPT (Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust), enhancing logistics, industrial connectivity, and interstate trade. First Published:
Indian Express
6 days ago
- Indian Express
Mains answer practice — GS 1 : Questions on inclusive education and influence of La Niña on global weather systems (Week 105)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative for the practice of Mains answer writing. It covers essential topics of static and dynamic parts of the UPSC Civil Services syllabus covered under various GS papers. This answer-writing practice is designed to help you as a value addition to your UPSC CSE Mains. Attempt today's answer writing on questions related to topics of GS-1 to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for May 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at Examine the influence of La Niña on global weather systems and its implications for climate forecasting. Why do global climate models sometimes struggle to accurately predict La Niña events? India's evolving digital infrastructure has played a key role in promoting inclusive education. Critically discuss the opportunities and challenges this transformation presents. Introduction — The introduction of the answer is essential and should be restricted to 3-5 lines. Remember, a one-liner is not a standard introduction. — It may consist of basic information by giving some definitions from the trusted source and authentic facts. Body — It is the central part of the answer and one should understand the demand of the question to provide rich content. — The answer must be preferably written as a mix of points and short paragraphs rather than using long paragraphs or just points. — Using facts from authentic government sources makes your answer more comprehensive. Analysis is important based on the demand of the question, but do not over analyse. — Underlining keywords gives you an edge over other candidates and enhances presentation of the answer. — Using flowcharts/tree-diagram in the answers saves much time and boosts your score. However, it should be used logically and only where it is required. Way forward/ conclusion — The ending of the answer should be on a positive note and it should have a forward-looking approach. However, if you feel that an important problem must be highlighted, you may add it in your conclusion. Try not to repeat any point from body or introduction. — You may use the findings of reports or surveys conducted at national and international levels, quotes etc. in your answers. Self Evaluation — It is the most important part of our Mains answer writing practice. UPSC Essentials will provide some guiding points or ideas as a thought process that will help you to evaluate your answers. QUESTION 1: Examine the influence of La Niña on global weather systems and its implications for climate forecasting. Why do global climate models sometimes struggle to accurately predict La Niña events? Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers. Introduction: — La Niña means 'Little Girl' in Spanish. La Niña is sometimes known as El Viejo, anti-El Niño, or 'a cold event.' La Niña has the opposite effect of El Niño. During La Niña, trade winds are stronger than usual, bringing warmer water to Asia. Upwelling occurs off the West Coast of the Americas, bringing cold, nutrient-rich water to the surface. – The chilly waters of the Pacific force the jet stream north. This often causes drought in the southern United States and heavy rains and flooding in the Pacific Northwest and Canada. During a La Niña, winter temperatures are lower in the north and warmer in the south. La Niña might lead to a more severe hurricane season. Body: You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer: — The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that equatorial sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean were close to or below average last year. During the 'watch' phase of La Niña in November and early December, ENSO conditions were neutral. — The Oceanic Nino Index (ONI) in the Nino 3.4 zone, one of four key regions in the equatorial Pacific Ocean used to identify the ENSO phase, was -0.3°C. — Temperature variations from the equatorial Pacific's three-monthly average sea surface temperature are used to calculate the ONI. A La Niña begins when the ONI in this region is -0.5 degrees or lower. — If ONI readings exceed the threshold, temperatures will swiftly return to normal, resulting in a short and mild La Niña episode. Experts estimate that the weak La Niña will become ENSO-neutral from March to May 2025. This indicates that La Niña will have minimal impact on the Indian winter this year. Conclusion: — Weather models perform better when sea surface temperatures shift significantly, such as during a major El Niño or La Niña event. — This is unlikely to be the case this time, which has likely resulted in weather models failing to accurately predict conditions because they are unable to account for minute temperature differences in their inputs. (Source: Where is La Niña? And why did global models err in their predictions? by Anjali Marar, Points to Ponder What is the Indian Ocean Dipole? How it can limit El Nino effects Read about El Nino and La Nina Related Previous Year Questions Most of the unusual climatic happenings are explained as an outcome of the El-Nino effect. Do you agree? (2014) What is a twister? Why are the majority of twisters observed in areas around the Gulf of Mexico? (2024) QUESTION 2: India's evolving digital infrastructure has played a key role in promoting inclusive education. Critically discuss the opportunities and challenges this transformation presents. Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers. Introduction: — Pioneering digital public infrastructure (DPI) trials have enabled India's digital landscape to undergo such a spectacular transition. — These DPIs are digital channels that allow for the smooth delivery of important services, which benefits society. Body: You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer: — The Indian DPI ecosystem, known as the 'India Stack,' has played a critical role in harnessing the power of identities, payments, and data interchange to drive economic growth and build a more equitable digital economy. — The Right to Education statute applies until the age of 14 or Std VIII, which is the conclusion of the elementary school stage. — The number of AI-based tutoring systems is expanding. — Indian DPIs have the potential to close wealth gaps and build a resilient and effective digital economy that benefits individuals and organisations, beginning with empowering small businesses to improve access to healthcare and promoting financial and digital inclusion for citizens from less affluent socioeconomic backgrounds. — The recently released Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2023, which surveyed 14-18-year-olds across the country, discovered that nearly 89 per cent of those polled had a smartphone at home. An even higher percentage, 92 per cent, said they could use a smartphone. Conclusion: — Although the National Achievement Survey (NAS) and ASER use different metrics and methods for assessing learning, both point to the fact that basic learning levels of elementary school children need significant improvement. — India has achieved universal elementary education enrollment, and we are on track to attain universal secondary and higher secondary enrollment. (Source: ASER 2023: Male youth in rural India dominate smartphone ownership, girls lag in digital skills, How smartphones can make education inclusive by Madhav Chavan, ASER 2023 report: On education, let's listen to the teenagers by Rukmini Banerji) Points to Ponder National Achievement Survey (NAS) National Education Policy, 2020 Related Previous Year Questions Examine the uniqueness of tribal knowledge systems when compared with mainstream knowledge and cultural systems. (2021) Discuss the main objectives of Population Education and point out the measures to achieve them in India in detail. (2021) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 104) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 105) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 104) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 105) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 104) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 103) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X.
