Fact Check: Was There Waterlogging At G20 Venue?

New Delhi: The two-day G20 Leaders’ Summit ended on Sunday but not before a controversy over waterlogging at the venue.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Delhi Urban Development minister Saurabh Bharadwaj shared a video on social media that showed some water outside one of the halls at Bharat Mandap, and took a swipe at lieutenant governor VK Saxena.

The Central government issued a rebuttal through a Fact Check, calling the claim ‘exaggerated and misleading.’

In a post on social media platform X tagging the Lt Gov, Bharadwaj wrote along with the 31-second video: “This is very serious. “Even after ur (your) 50+ inspections, if the very main area around Mandapam is submerged in water, then heads must roll. I as Minister of Delhi don’t have control over this Central Govt area, else would have assisted u (you) sir.”

Pradeep Singh Kharola, chairman and managing director of India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), which oversees the Pragati Maidan complex, admitted that some water had accumulated in front of the pathway of Hall 5 due to early-morning showers.

“Multiple machines and manpower were deployed simultaneously. Water was drained out and cleaned immediately,” Kharola told Hindustan Times.

However, in a post on X, PIB’s Fact Check handle shared a video showing the area to be dry.

“A video claims that there is waterlogging at venue of #G20Summit. #PIBFactCheck: This claim is exaggerated and misleading. Minor waterlogging in open area was swiftly cleared as pumps were pressed into action after overnight rains. No waterlogging at venue presently,” as per the fact check.

Srinivas BV, Indian Youth Congress chief, also took a dig at the Centre.

“The images of Bharat Mandapam which was developed at a cost of several crores of rupees for hosting G20 members… Vikas (development) is floating,” he said.

There was no immediate reaction from the LG’s office.