A sudden spell of heavy rainfall on Wednesday morning brought life to a standstill in Delhi and the adjoining NCR cities of Noida, Gurgaon, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad, just a day before the Independence Day celebrations. The downpour, which began early morning, led to severe waterlogging on arterial roads, causing traffic gridlock during peak hours. Commuters reported being stuck in traffic for over two hours, with knee-deep water in several low-lying areas making conditions worse.The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a forecast for moderate to heavy rainfall in the region due to monsoon activity, but the intensity caught many by surprise. Social media was flooded with images and videos of submerged cars, stranded buses, and office-goers wading through water.The traffic police and municipal bodies scrambled to manage the situation, deploying additional personnel and drainage pumps. However, the rains also raised concerns about the preparedness for Independence Day events, especially with security and logistical arrangements already stretched.Residents expressed frustration over the recurring problem of urban flooding, blaming poor drainage infrastructure and inadequate pre-monsoon desilting. Civic agencies have assured quick water clearance and restoration of normal traffic flow.With the capital set to host the Prime Minister’s address from the Red Fort on Thursday, officials are under pressure to ensure smooth access and prevent any further disruption. The IMD has warned of continued showers in parts of Delhi–NCR, keeping authorities on high alert.
