Delhi Deluge: What Led to Knee-Deep Waterlogging in JJ Colony?

New Delhi: A breach in the Munak canal, which supplies water from Haryana to Delhi, caused knee-deep waterlogging in parts of a residential colony in Bawana, stranding residents in their homes. The water inundated the J, K, and L blocks of JJ colony in northwest Delhi early Thursday, leading to distress and concern among locals.  "We have informed all the concerned department, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Flood Control Department, Public Welfare Department, and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), at midnight after the canal overflowed," an official said.  

'Water In Every Block'

A video shared by the agency shows children playing and swimming in the flooded streets while people wade through knee-deep water.

Alam, a resident of the JJ Colony, said that the water had entered every block of the colony and the administration was not making much effort to maintain the flow.

"Water has entered almost every block of the JJ Colony. The barrage of the Munak canal broke at approximately midnight. The administration, especially the irrigation department, isn't making enough effort to stop the flow... The local leader came to see, but nothing has happened so far that should have been," he said.  

Delhi Jal Board Swings Into Action

Taking to X (formerly Twitter) Delhi water minister Atishi said,“Today early morning there has been a breach in one of the sub-branches of Munak Canal. Delhi Jal Board is working in close coordination with the Haryana Irrigation Department, which maintains the Munak Canal.”

“Water has been diverted to the other sub-branch of the canal. Repair work has already started and will be completed by this afternoon. The breached sub-branch of the canal will be functional from tomorrow," she said.  

In response to the flooding, Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj stated that Delhi Jal Board officials are on the scene. He mentioned that the chief engineer of the Flood Department has been instructed to visit the flooded area to determine how the department can assist the Jal Board in managing the situation.

Bharadwaj also noted that the Carrier Lined Channel (CLC), which carries water from Haryana, enters Bawana. Information about the embankment breach was relayed to them during the night.