New Delhi: For traders in Sadar Bazar, the onset of the monsoon brings more anxiety than relief. Waterlogging is a recurring problem, with shopkeepers alleging that repeated representations to authorities have yielded little improvement.Residents and traders of the area in Old Delhi said the issue cannot be resolved unless three agencies — DJB, Northern Railways and DMRC — work in coordination. They alleged that the existing sewer network is unable to cope with heavy rainfall, while poor maintenance of railway tanks constructed beneath railway lines behind Akhada aggravates the flooding.“Every spell of rain causes huge losses in our businesses,” said Paramjit Singh Pamma, a member of Federation of Sadar Bazar Trades Association. Thursday’s rain left nearly four feet of water in parts of the market, inundating shops and damaging goods, he said.“The authorities installed pumps only after the water accumulated. Why should we suffer year after year? Work on some drains and sewer lines was carried out a few years ago, but the entire system needs an overhaul as the area has become heavily overcrowded,” he said.The traders also claimed that MCD pumps often don’t function and that its coordination with other agencies to resolve the problem is important. A corporation official said all civic agencies are working on long-term solutions. “Since Sadar Bazar doesn’t have a separate stormwater drainage network and sewer manholes carry rainwater, we ensure they remain free of garbage and function properly,” he said.Rakesh Kumar Yadav, president of the association, said the 10 feet difference in elevation between Bara Hindu Rao and Sadar Bazar naturally causes rainwater to collect in the market. “Unless there is a proper system to drain out water, it will continue to accumulate here. Bigger sewer lines should be laid, and railway tanks should be cleaned so that water can flow towards Okhla,” he said.According to Yadav, representatives of the traders’ body recently raised the issue with CM Rekha Gupta and Chandni Chowk MP Praveen Khandelwal. “The CM assured us that DJB and other departments would be asked to conduct a detailed technical study of the drainage system from Bara Hindu Rao to Teliwara,” Yadav said, adding that she also said a comprehensive action plan would be prepared well before the next monsoon to prevent waterlogging.The traders also claimed that the ongoing underground construction of Delhi Metro’s Phase IV has rendered some sewer lines non-functional.DMRC, however, rejected the allegation. “No sewer line has been damaged because of our construction work in Sadar Bazar. Necessary diversions were carried out much before we started work and those portions are functioning properly. Moreover, several other civic agencies are working in the area. The sewer infrastructure is already overutilised beyond its capacity and there was waterlogging even before DMRC began construction,” said Anuj Dayal, principal executive director, DMRC.
