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Delhi Schools Submerged: Knee-Deep Floods Disrupt Education, Spark Political Blame Game
Breaking News: Nithari Village, Delhi – August 16, 2025 – Six government schools in Northwest Delhi’s Nithari village are effectively closed, submerged in knee-deep water for nearly a week. The persistent waterlogging has forced hundreds of students to miss crucial classes, exacerbating an already challenging academic period.
The Directorate of Education acknowledged on Thursday that the current monsoon season has intensified the flooding issues. Officials cite a combination of factors, including inadequate drainage systems, proximity to nearby ponds, and the unfortunate low-lying nature of the school buildings as primary contributors to the ongoing crisis.
A notice from the deputy director revealed this debilitating condition has been a recurring problem as 2020, affecting an estimated 14,000 students annually. School staff report that stagnant water, driven by high groundwater levels and uneven road surfaces, has infiltrated both school compounds and classrooms. “The campuses are hazardous… flooded inside and out,” stated one official, who added that operations are suspended indefinitely.
Education activist and lawyer Ashok Agarwal shared compelling video evidence on X (formerly Twitter), showcasing submerged school gates. He indicated that closures commenced on Monday, expressing frustration: “Authorities ignore this every year.” Agarwal highlighted the detrimental impact on learning, noting, “Students are pushed into online classes, but most don’t have the devices or internet needed.”
Parents are expressing deep concern over the disruption. one parent, whose two children attend affected schools, shared their anxiety: “They haven’t been able to go to school for days. Tests are due soon, and with today’s rain, they may have to be online. I’m worried. They need proper preparation for mid-terms.” This annual ordeal substantially impacts student preparation and academic progress.
The situation mirrors experiences from previous years, with residents reporting similar waterlogging for five years. Shaheen, whose son Nadeem is in Class 10, described how water from a nearby lake inundates the area during the monsoon. “Roads and schools get waterlogged, drains don’t work, and snakes have been spotted,” she said. While online classes offer a partial solution, she believes they are less effective than in-person learning.
Even recent infrastructure improvements have failed to alleviate the problem. Residents noted that new constructions in the low-lying area continue to flood, mirroring the issues faced by older structures. The flooding has also extended to parts of Northeast Delhi’s Nand Nagri, impacting daily life with knee-deep water on main streets.
Political recriminations Emerge
Education minister ashish Sood attributed the worsening situation in Nithari to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). He questioned the timing of the crisis,stating,”This crisis began in 2020 as AAP concretised a local pond. Who was in power then when students first suffered?” Sood pledged an inquiry into the matter.
The AAP refuted these allegations, pointing to the BJP’s control over various administrative bodies. An AAP spokesperson countered, “BJP’s four-engine government has no interest in working. Under Arvind Kejriwal, not a single case of waterlogging in schools was recorded. Today, under BJP’s watch, even Lutyens’ Delhi is seeing rainwater seep into schools.”
Key Facts: Nithari School Flooding
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Affected schools | 6 Government Schools in Nithari Village |
| Duration of Flooding | Nearly one week |
| Water Depth | Knee-deep |
| Students Affected Annually | Over 14,000 |
| Since When? | Recurring issue since 2020 |
| Reported Causes | Poor drainage,nearby ponds,low-lying areas,high groundwater |
Understanding Urban Flooding: Evergreen Insights
The recurring waterlogging in delhi schools highlights a broader urban challenge: the impact of monsoon seasons on infrastructure,especially in low-lying and poorly drained areas. This phenomenon is not unique to Delhi and is observed globally in rapidly urbanizing environments. Effective urban planning must incorporate robust drainage systems, permeable surfaces, and considerations for climate change-induced rainfall intensity. Investing in infrastructure maintenance and proactive flood management strategies is crucial for ensuring the continuity of essential services like education.
Did You Know? According to the Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk reduction 2022,economic losses from disasters,including floods,have significantly increased in recent decades,underscoring the need for resilient infrastructure.
Pro Tip: Residents facing similar issues can advocate for improved local infrastructure by engaging with municipal authorities and participating in community planning initiatives. Documenting the impact, as seen with the videos shared on X, can also raise awareness and pressure officials for action.
Frequently Asked Questions on Delhi School Waterlogging
- What is the primary issue affecting schools in Nithari, Delhi?
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The primary issue is severe knee-deep waterlogging that has made school campuses inaccessible for nearly a week, disrupting education for thousands of students.
- How long has this waterlogging problem persisted in Delhi schools?
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The problem has been recurring as 2020, impacting over 14,000 students annually.
- What are the cited reasons for the waterlogging in Nithari village schools?
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Cited reasons include poor drainage, proximity to nearby ponds, the low-lying location of school buildings, high groundwater levels, and uneven road gradients.
- How are students coping with the school closures due to waterlogging?
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Students are being shifted to online classes,but concerns remain about access to necesary devices and reliable internet for many.
- Who is being blamed for the recurring waterlogging crisis in Delhi?
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The Education Minister has blamed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), citing the concretization of a local pond in 2020. The AAP has refuted this, pointing to BJP’s administrative control and highlighting broader governmental inaction.
What are your thoughts on the recurring school flooding in Delhi? How can urban planning better address the impacts of monsoon seasons on educational infrastructure?
Share your views in the comments below and help us spread awareness.
