Heavy Rain Triggers Water Level Surge in Chenab, Disrupts Life in Delhi-NCR
The water level in the Chenab River surged on Friday following intense rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir’s Akhnoor sector.
This came after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted light to moderate showers, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds (40–60 km/h), for Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, Muzaffarabad, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand between May 1 and May 6, 2025.
Meanwhile, early morning downpours lashed Delhi, leading to widespread waterlogging and significant traffic snarls across the national capital. The rainstorm uprooted trees and caused vehicle breakdowns, resulting in heavy congestion, particularly in areas like Gurgaon, Delhi Airport, and Minto Road, which were severely inundated.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta addressed the crisis, stating that the “triple-engine government” — comprising the Centre, Delhi administration, and local bodies — is actively collaborating to revamp the city’s infrastructure. She acknowledged that the unseasonal showers exposed Delhi’s chronic waterlogging woes.
“The administration has been on alert since 5 am. All deputy commissioners and officials were on the ground. While heading to this event, I personally saw waterlogging and traffic at three locations,” Gupta said. “This triple-engine government is working together with full commitment to rectify Delhi’s broken infrastructure. This pre-monsoon rain is a wake-up call for the system,” she added.
An official advisory urged the public to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. People have been advised to take shelter in safe places, avoid standing near trees or concrete structures, unplug electrical appliances, and steer clear of water bodies or conductive objects to prevent accidents during lightning activity.
