Drainage – Delhi Agencies Intensify Anti-Waterlogging Work Before Monsoon Arrival
Drainage – The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has stepped up preparations to tackle waterlogging in the city ahead of the upcoming monsoon season. Senior officials from several government departments gathered on Friday for a high-level review meeting chaired by MCD Commissioner Sanjeev Khirwar to assess the progress of desilting operations and drainage management across the capital.
The meeting brought together representatives from key civic and infrastructure agencies, including the Public Works Department, Delhi Jal Board, Delhi Development Authority, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation and Delhi Police. Discussions mainly focused on improving coordination among departments responsible for flood prevention and stormwater drainage systems in different parts of Delhi.
Review of Drain Cleaning Progress
During the meeting, officials examined the status of drain cleaning work currently underway before the start of heavy rainfall. According to Commissioner Khirwar, Delhi has more than 3,000 drains measuring four feet or wider, covering a total stretch of approximately 3,737 kilometres. Out of these, 793 drains are managed directly by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi.
The Commissioner informed the departments that around 65 per cent of desilting work under the MCD’s jurisdiction has already been completed. Authorities are aiming to finish the remaining work before the monsoon reaches the national capital to minimise the risk of water accumulation on roads and residential areas.
Officials also highlighted the role of the Public Works Department, which maintains 1,375 major drains in Delhi. These drains account for nearly 55 per cent of the city’s large drainage network and are considered critical for handling excess rainwater during the monsoon period.
Coordination Between Multiple Agencies
A major part of the review focused on areas where different agencies share responsibility for drainage systems. The Municipal Corporation has identified 215 drains that require close coordination between departments to address long-pending waterlogging and desilting concerns.
To speed up the process, joint inspections of these drains have been planned for May 19. Following the inspections, officials from the concerned departments are expected to submit detailed reports by May 21 outlining pending issues, required repairs and action plans.
Authorities believe that timely coordination between civic bodies is necessary to avoid delays during the peak rainy season, when blocked drains and poor water flow often lead to severe traffic congestion and flooding in low-lying neighbourhoods.
Focus on Flood Prevention Measures
Commissioner Khirwar stressed the importance of monitoring sensitive locations that regularly face flooding during heavy rainfall. He instructed officials to maintain regular checks at drain merging points where overflow problems are commonly reported.
The meeting also emphasised the need for field-level cooperation among engineers and local teams to identify vulnerable stretches in advance. Civic authorities were asked to improve communication and ensure quick response systems during periods of intense rain.
Officials noted that preventive measures taken before the monsoon season play a key role in reducing disruption to public transport, road traffic and residential areas. Waterlogging has remained a recurring challenge in Delhi during the rainy months, affecting commuters and daily life across several parts of the city every year.
Preparations Ahead of Monsoon Season
With weather agencies predicting seasonal rainfall in the coming weeks, Delhi’s civic departments are working to complete pending infrastructure tasks within strict timelines. The administration is expected to continue reviewing drainage conditions and desilting progress through regular meetings over the next few days.
The latest review reflects the government’s attempt to strengthen coordination between departments responsible for urban infrastructure and emergency management. Authorities have indicated that continuous monitoring and timely execution of drainage projects will remain a priority throughout the monsoon period.