Delhi: PWD Minister inspects Chhatarpur for waterlogging solution
New Delhi, July 17
Taking serious note of the persistent waterlogging at Dera Mandi Road near Mandi Village, Delhi PWD and Water Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh on Friday inspected the Chhatarpur area and announced measures to address the problem.
The Minister reviewed the condition of the road, drainage network and sewer system after heavy accumulation of rainwater was reported on Dera Mandi Road. Senior officials accompanied him during the inspection, said an official statement.
The affected stretch falls under the jurisdiction of the MCD. Keeping public convenience as the top priority, the Delhi government is working in close coordination with the concerned agencies to ensure both immediate relief and a long-term solution, it said.
As an immediate measure, PTO pumps have been deployed and are operating continuously to drain out the accumulated water from the affected stretch, it said.
Officials informed the Minister that the location is a natural low-lying point where rainwater collects during heavy showers.
Earlier, the accumulated water used to drain through a natural channel towards Haryana. However, with that outlet no longer available, rainwater is now trapped at this location, resulting in recurring waterlogging during heavy rainfall.
Following a detailed review on site, it was decided that PWD will construct a new precast RCC drain from Dera Mandi Road to Dera Bhati Road, which will then connect to Bandh Road, from where the water will be pumped into the SSN Marg drain within Delhi.
The project is designed to provide a permanent drainage solution and significantly improve stormwater management in the area.
Speaking during the inspection, Parvesh Sahib Singh said, "Mandi Gaon and Dera Gaon lie along the Delhi-Haryana border. Years ago, before large-scale urban development and before Gurugram expanded the way it has today, rainwater used to flow naturally through existing drainage channels."
"Today, with extensive concrete construction, rapid urbanisation and a significant increase in population, those natural pathways have disappeared. As a result, rainwater and even sewer water accumulate here during heavy rainfall," he said.
The Minister said the Delhi government is committed to addressing legacy infrastructure challenges through scientific planning and durable engineering solutions.
"Our objective is not merely to remove water after every spell of rain but to create infrastructure that prevents waterlogging in the first place. Every vulnerable location is being assessed, and long-term solutions are being implemented on priority," he said.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Typical Delhi politics - inspecting after the water has already accumulated! They should have done preventive maintenance of drains before monsoon. But yes, the point about Haryana no longer taking our water is valid. Urbanisation has messed up natural drainage across NCR. 😤
Good to see PWD minister taking interest. But we've heard these promises before. The real test will be next monsoon when we see if waterlogging is actually gone. Also, why can't we coordinate with Haryana for a cross-border solution? Dera Mandi to Bandh Road drain is a Delhi-only fix but water doesn't respect borders.
I live near Chhatarpur. Every heavy rain my street turns into a swimming pool. The PTO pumps are fine as a band-aid but we need permanent solutions. The minister's comment about urbanisation killing natural drainage is spot on - same thing happening across Delhi. Let's hope this works and they maintain it properly. 🤞
Atleast someone is finally acknowledging the Haryana angle. For years Delhiites suffered and Haryana just blocked the natural flow. But why blame urbanisation alone? What about the unauthorised colonies and encroachments on drains? The minister should also crack down on those blocking our drainage system. Solid inspection though, better than most.
I appreciate the minister coming personally but this is just a photo-op. The real issue is the MCD and PWD not coordinating properly. Dera Mandi Road has been waterlogged for years and every year they just pump out water. Let's see if they actually build the drain this time. Also, why no mention of
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