Greater Noida, July 7 -- Sunday's downpour caused waterlogging at several locations in Greater Noida's Gamma 1 and Delta 1 sectors, with residents blaming clogged drains, ageing infrastructure and encroachments on drain chambers for the recurring problem. Gamma 1 residents said water accumulated on several roads and lanes after the rain. Although it receded within a few hours, they claimed the incident highlighted long-pending drainage issues. "Although the water receded within a couple of hours, it exposed a bigger problem. Many residents have blocked drains by constructing ramps and other structures over them. In the lane where I live, there are around 10 drains, and at least six appear to have been blocked by such constructions," said Anjali, a resident of Gamma 1. JPS Rawat, another resident of Gamma 1, said the waterlogging was primarily caused by inadequate drain cleaning before the monsoon. "Following Sunday's rainfall, water accumulated at several spots across the sector. This is just the beginning, and one wonders what the situation might be like once the monsoon is in full swing. The drains should have been cleaned at least a month ago. Immediate desilting is necessary to prevent inconvenience to residents and health risks from stagnant water," he added. Authority officials, however, said desilting and drain-cleaning drives are carried out annually during May and June as part of pre-monsoon preparations. Residents of Delta 1 said waterlogging was particularly severe near Gate No. 2 and Block A, where they claimed a damaged drainage pipeline has remained unrepaired for nearly two years. "A drain line within our sector has been disconnected from the main pipeline, which is why water overflows near Gate No. 2. It has been two years since we raised the issue, but despite assurances from the authority, nothing has been done," said Pramod Bhati, president of the Delta 1 residents' welfare association (RWA). Greater Noida authority officials acknowledged that ageing drainage infrastructure and encroachments over drains are contributing to recurring waterlogging....