Business hurt, traders want answers

The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has expressed deep concern over the waterlogged roads in Delhi and has called for a technical audit of the sewer and drainage systems by the lieutenant governor. The traders’ body is demanding a time-bound investigation into the amount of money spent on Delhi’s drainage and sewer system by MCD, DJB, and NDMC over the years.

CAIT national secretary general Praveen Khandelwal emphasized the need to determine where the money was spent and questioned why Delhi’s roads have turned into rivers after just two days of rain. Khandelwal stated that if the entire city gets waterlogged so quickly, it is worrisome to think about the condition of Delhi during the monsoon season. He urged the lieutenant governor to address the issue promptly and take immediate action. Additionally, Khandelwal requested the Delhi government to compensate traders for the losses they have suffered due to water entering their shops and basements and damaging their goods.

Many markets were severely affected by flooding, causing significant inconvenience to traders. Swaran Singh, the general secretary of the All Delhi Computer Traders Association, explained that water had flooded shops, resulting in damage to merchandise. He also mentioned that the DDA had promised to tackle the issue of waterlogging by implementing measures to conserve rainwater, such as constructing a robust drainage system and 12 rainwater harvesting structures. However, these promises have not been fulfilled, and despite the DDA’s efforts to change the underground sewage lines, traders have not received any relief.