Atishi slams BJP govt over waterlogging; accuses BJP of "mismanagement"

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Atishi on Saturday launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led Delhi government over the issue of waterlogging and alleged water crisis in the Kalkaji constituency. In a post on X, Atishi shared the letter written to Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and criticised the government's handling and preparedness for monsoons, stating that the "mismanagement" by the "4-engine BJP government" has caused "waterlogging" in the capital and "water crisis" in the Kalkaji area. "Mismanagement by the 4-engine BJP Govt has not only submerged Delhi roads, but caused a water crisis in Kalkaji. The Giri Nagar pumping station is completely submerged. And the people of Giri Nagar, Kalkaji, Govindpuri and Govindpuri Extn are facing several days of water crisis," Atishi posted on X. Atishi wrote a letter to Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta expressing deep concern over severe waterlogging and water shortage issues in Kalkaji and surrounding areas following recent rains. In a letter dated August 9, Atishi stated that just a few hours of rainfall had brought Delhi to a halt, with roads submerged and traffic at a standstill. She highlighted that water has entered many homes, causing distress among residents. Atishi pointed out that the Pumping Station of the Giri Nagar Underground Reservoir (UGR), a key facility supplying water to Kalkaji, Giri Nagar, Govindpuri, and Govindpuri Extension, is fully submerged and non-functional. The pumps are underwater and unable to operate, resulting in no water supply to thousands of households in these areas. The letter reads, "Just a few hours of rain have brought Delhi to a grinding halt. Roads are waterlogged, traffic is at a standstill and even more shocking is that in many parts of Delhi water has entered people's homes. The water logging has created a crisis in Kalkaji. The Pumping Station of the Giri Nagar Under Ground Reservoir(UGR) is fully submerged in water after the rains. This UGR and it pumping station is a crucial facility that supplies water to major parts of Kalkaji, Giri Nagar, Govindpuri and Govindpuri Extension. The pumps are fully submerged and are therefore not working. So no water is being supplied to the Kalkaji, Giri Nagar, Govindpuri and Govindpuri Extension." "Due to this mismanagement by Delhi Government, the residents of Kalkaji are staring at atleast 2-3 days of severe water shortage. This pumping station that supplies water to thousands of households is non-functional, and there is no alternate arrangements from your government either," it added. Atishi criticized the BJP-led Delhi government, saying that in six months it has stalled and collapsed in managing essential services during the monsoon season. She expressed concerns about the administration's preparedness for handling such challenges. The Delhi LoP stated, "I am heartbroken to say that this situation is not a natural calamity - this is the direct result of administrative negligence. Despite repeated warnings, your government has failed to safeguard critical infrastructure. It seems like in just six months, the four-engine BJP government has stalled and collapsed. Such a situation not only poses severe hardship for the residents but also raises concerns over the preparedness of the administration in handling monsoon-related challenges." Urging immediate action, Atishi called upon the Chief Minister to direct the Public Works Department (PWD) and Water Minister Pravesh Verma to restore water supply urgently. She warned that if the situation remains unresolved, she along with local residents would be compelled to protest on the streets. "Given the urgency of the matter, I urge you to give urgent directions to your PWD and Water minister Shri Pravesh Verma to take immediate steps to restore water supply in the area. Otherwise, I along with the residents of the area will be forced to take to the streets for a solution," the letter reads.