Delhi is set to get a big upgrade in its rainwater management with the launch of a new Drainage Master Plan. This exciting development comes as part of the ‘Seva Pakhwada’ celebrations marking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday. The plan will be unveiled on Friday by Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal, with Chief Minister Rekha Gupta leading the event. It happens just two days after PM Modi’s birthday on September 17.
The new Drainage Master Plan aims to fix Delhi’s outdated drainage system, which often struggles during heavy rains. It focuses on better ways to handle rainwater, preventing it from pooling up in low-lying areas and on roads. This is a major step to tackle the waterlogging issues that plague the city every monsoon season.
Remember the heated arguments between the Delhi government and opposition AAP over poor drainage during rains? Officials pointed out that the current system, over 50 years old, can’t cope with more than 50 mm of rain in a day. AAP hit back, saying the government hasn’t done enough to stop waterlogging. But the government clarified that not every puddle counts as waterlogging—true waterlogging happens when water sticks around for 4-5 hours without draining.
Back in July, Water Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh shared that experts were working on this fresh master plan to revamp the 1976 version. Delhi’s drainage relies on three key basins: Najafgarh, Barapullah, and Trans Yamuna. By July, the government had draft reports for improvements in the Najafgarh basin, with the others still in progress.
To gear up for the monsoon, CM Gupta ordered the setup of an Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC). This central hub will monitor everything from traffic and water supply to sanitation in real time. It will pull in data from various sources to help city officials make quick decisions and coordinate emergency responses.
During a recent review, CM Gupta emphasized long-term fixes over quick patches. “We’re not just looking for temporary solutions—we want solid, lasting improvements to Delhi’s infrastructure,” she said. Every department has clear orders to tackle these challenges urgently and deliver results.
The CM is determined to solve everyday headaches for Delhi residents. “We aim to free Delhiites from waterlogging, traffic jams, and security woes. Our government is all in on turning Delhi into a safe, easy-to-navigate, and clean capital with top-notch facilities for everyone,” she added.
On the waterlogging front, they’ve identified 194 problem spots across agencies like PWD, NHAI, DMRC, DDA, MCD, NDMC, and DCB. Short-term fixes are already done in 129 areas, and the rest are on fast track to completion. With the ICCC in place, real-time tracking will make managing these issues smoother and more effective.
This Drainage Master Plan and ICCC could be game-changers for Delhi’s monsoon woes, bringing real relief to millions facing annual floods on streets. Stay tuned for how it rolls out!
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