New Delhi: As the monsoon season approaches, several key drains in Delhi are nearing readiness, with over 90% of desiltation completed. However, the Najafgarh Drain—a vital 57-kilometer stretch—remains significantly behind schedule, with only 43.95% of the desiltation work finished.
According to official data as of May 8, desilting has been successfully completed or is nearing completion in several drains, including Sonia Vihar, Civil Military, Kushak, Taimoor Nagar, Sunehri Pul, and Tehkhand. In contrast, the Kailash Nagar and Delhi Gate/Power House drains have reported lower desiltation rates of 38.95% and 42.60%, respectively.
The desilting initiative encompasses 24 major drains, covering nearly 98 kilometers, and is being managed by the Irrigation and Flood Control Department (I&FC) under an order issued on April 29 of this year. Of these, 10 drains, totaling 13 kilometers, have achieved over 90% desiltation, while six drains (12.95 kilometers) have surpassed 75%, and five drains (11.18 kilometers) have exceeded 50%.
Despite these efforts, waterlogging during rainfall continues to pose a significant challenge for the national capital, particularly at critical locations such as Minto Bridge, the Pul Prahladpur underpass, the Ring Road opposite the WHO office, and the Zakhira Flyover. In 2023 alone, Delhi Traffic Police reported 308 instances of waterlogging, marking the highest number in five years.
Since 1980, a significant challenge has been the lack of a comprehensive stormwater and drainage master plan. In 2012, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi was commissioned to develop a new plan; however, the final report, submitted in 2018, was ultimately rejected in 2021.
In response to these ongoing issues, authorities have initiated several critical measures. These include disconnecting stormwater-sewerage cross-connections, restoring 257 of the 631 identified water bodies, and removing obstructions from the Yamuna floodplains, such as construction debris.
Officials have emphasized the importance of close coordination among various departments, including the Public Works Department (PWD), Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Irrigation and Flood Control Department (IF&CD), New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), and electricity distribution companies (DISCOMS). To further enhance flood mitigation efforts, real-time monitoring is being implemented through the installation of CCTV cameras and mobile pumping facilities at vulnerable locations.
