Recent torrential downpours have led to severe waterlogging within the Dwarka Expressway tunnel, significantly impeding traffic flow and drawing widespread public criticism. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has simultaneously issued a yellow alert for 15 districts in Haryana, forecasting continued heavy rainfall and strong winds.
Dwarka Expressway Faces Waterlogging Challenge
The Dwarka Expressway, a high-profile infrastructure project, experienced considerable disruption due to the heavy rains. Videos circulated widely on social media show the tunnel inundated with water, prompting netizens to express frustration and concern over the newly constructed infrastructure. This section of the expressway, built at an approximate cost of ₹250 crore, saw its Haryana portion inaugurated in March 2024, with the Delhi section opening in August of the previous year.
IMD Issues Yellow Alert for Haryana
The IMD has placed 15 Haryana districts under a yellow alert, indicating the likelihood of heavy rain and strong winds. These districts include Panchkula, Ambala, Yamunanagar, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Karnal, Panipat, Sonipat, Mahendragarh, Rewari, Jhajjar, Gurugram, Faridabad, Nuh, and Palwal. Other areas such as Sirsa, Fatehabad, Hisar, Bhiwani, Charkhi Dadri, Jind, and Rohtak are expected to experience changeable conditions, with potential for drizzle or light rain.
According to weather officials, the monsoon trough extending from Sriganganagar through Rohtak and Fatehgarh to the Bay of Bengal is expected to bring rain and winds across many parts of the state between September 5 and 7.
Rainfall Data and Impact
Over the past 24 hours, several areas recorded substantial rainfall:
- Panchkula: 99 mm
- Yamunanagar: 57.5 mm
- Gurugram: 44.5 mm
- Karnal: 33.5 mm
- Rohtak: 32 mm
- Rewari: 20 mm
Gurugram alone experienced 36 mm of rain within just one hour on Friday, leading to significant waterlogging and traffic congestion across the city. The persistent rainfall has caused widespread waterlogging in various urban and rural areas.
Monsoon Outlook and Agricultural Advice
Weather scientist Dr. Madan Khichar noted that rain with strong winds would likely continue in the northern and southern districts. However, monsoon activity is projected to weaken after September 8. Dr. Khichar advised farmers to postpone irrigation and pesticide spraying until the current spell of rain concludes, and to ensure adequate drainage in their fields to prevent crop damage.
Despite the recent heavy downpours, Haryana's August rainfall of 135.4 mm was below the normal 146.1 mm, marking the lowest August rainfall in three years. From June 1 to August 31, the state recorded a 19 percent deficit, receiving 283.4 mm against a normal of 349.9 mm.