Kejriwal government’s Public Works Department (PWD) is on a war footing to prevent waterlogging in Delhi during the monsoon season. In this regard, PWD is working to create proper infrastructure by identifying various waterlogging hotspots in the capital, so as to prevent waterlogging during heavy rains. To take stock of the department’s preparations, PWD Minister Ms. Atishi held a review meeting with the officials on Friday.
She directed the concerned officials to ensure that the system is in place to prevent waterlogging before the monsoon season so that no inconvenience is caused to the public.
While giving directions to the officials, the Minister said, “The desilting work of the PWD’s drains should be completed within the stipulated timelines, and its report should be submitted on a weekly basis. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Arvind Kejriwal, we are committed to working towards freeing Delhi from waterlogging.” Sharing further, she added that PWD has identified 165 waterlogging spots and 5 hotspots across Delhi and is fully prepared to tackle the waterlogging problem in these areas.
Preparations done by the Kejriwal Government for monsoon season
-> In Delhi, the PWD has installed 128 pump houses, which have over 700 pumps.
-> 11 pump houses are fully automatic and start operating automatically as the water level rises, using sensors.
-> During the monsoon season, PWD will also deploy its mobile pump units, if necessary.
-> The desilting work of PWD’s drains is ongoing and the first phase of desilting work will be completed by May 31.
-> During the monsoon, PWD’s central control room will monitor serious waterlogging areas through 24-hour CCTV surveillance.
-> In addition to this, PWD will establish control rooms at 10 other locations.
-> People can register waterlogging-related complaints, for which PWD will issue a helpline number during the monsoon season.
-> PWD has marked 165 areas with waterlogging problems, and preparations are underway to address their needs and tackle waterlogging issues.
PWD working round the clock at these 5 waterlogging hotspots
-> New Rohtak Road
-> Under Zakira Nagar Flyover
-> Loni Road Golchakkar
-> Jahangirpuri Metro Station
-> Karala Kanjhawala Road
Various measures have been taken up by the Delhi Jal Board to prevent waterlogging in these areas. This includes increasing the capacity of existing pump houses, drain modification, constructing new drains, and many other solutions.
Measures taken by PWD to prevent waterlogging at 3 hotspots
-> Minto Bridge- To prevent waterlogging at Minto Bridge, the Kejriwal government took several permanent steps last year, and despite unexpected rainfall, people did not have to face waterlogging here. The PWD has created an additional drain as well. The waterlogging area is monitored 24*7 by CCTV cameras and automatic water level pumps have been installed.
-> Pul Prahladpur Underpass- Utill two years ago repeated cases of waterlogging were reported here. To prevent the same, PWD has constructed an underground reservoir with a capacity of 7.5 lakh liters and also installed a permanent pump house of 600 horsepower here. As a result, there was no problem of waterlogging here during the last monsoon season.
IP Estate Ring Road- To eliminate the problem of water logging on Ring Road, a pump with a capacity of 5 lakh liters was constructed here last year, along with a drain of 650 meters. This helped in preventing water logging last year.
