Rains take pot shots at streets

Delhi has received an unprecedented 670.3 mm rainfall since July 5. And it’s showing in the form of potholes on almost all major roads, including the streets leading to Parliament.

Delhi has received an unprecedented 670.3 mm rainfall since July 5. And it’s showing in the form of potholes on almost all major roads, including the streets leading to Parliament.

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Delhi's wettest August in 10 years — at 407.1 mm, the rainfall has been 116 per cent above normal — has led to the traffic police control room receiving 25-30 pothole-related complaints every day.

In the past five days alone, 108 complaints related to potholes have been received.

“Unlike in the past, even NDMC (New Delhi Municipal Council) areas have become problem points,” said Ajay Chadha, special CP (traffic). “The ongoing construction for the Commonwealth Games is also to be blamed.”

NDMC admits the rise in the number of complaints.

Spokesman Anand Tiwari, however, said, “The traffic police inform us about the potholes but the condition of our roads is quite good. Some roads have been affected but we are repairing them constantly.”

Areas under the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) — such as Rao Tula Ram Marg, Vasant Vihar, Moolchand and Moti Bagh — have not fared any better. “During rains it becomes difficult to fill up the potholes,” MCD’s press and information director Deep Mathur said.