Bhopal is set to adopt an innovative approach to urban water management with the installation of a rainwater harvesting system beneath the GG flyover.
This move follows a recent heavy downpour that exposed critical drainage deficiencies near the flyover and DB Mall area, resulting in severe waterlogging and traffic disruption. Officials from the Public Works Department (PWD) have acknowledged that the original Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the flyover did not include provisions for rainwater harvesting, a gap now being urgently addressed to improve resilience against flooding and optimise sustainable water use. The initiative marks a key step towards addressing the city’s persistent drainage challenges while aligning with broader goals of sustainability and resource conservation.
The waterlogging occurred at the crucial junction connecting Rani Kamlapati Railway Station (RKMP) to Veer Savarkar Bridge, causing major inconvenience for commuters. The stretch under the GG flyover and adjacent roads, including the entrance to Veer Savarkar Setu, faced submergence during recent rains, highlighting the limitations of the existing drainage infrastructure. While PWD undertook some drainage repairs earlier this year, experts have noted these were limited to superficial patchwork, failing to resolve the systemic problem of water runoff management in this critical urban corridor. The flyover itself was designed with drainage channels along its pillars; however, these have proven insufficient to cope with the volume of water during heavy rains. The quality of the flyover’s construction has also been questioned, especially as resurfacing was required soon after the structure’s inauguration.
PWD engineers, in discussions with city authorities, have secured government approval to retrofit the GG flyover with a comprehensive rainwater harvesting system. This system will collect runoff rainwater and channel it into storage tanks or recharge pits, enabling conservation and reducing pressure on municipal drainage networks. Such an approach is relatively novel for flyover infrastructure in India and reflects a growing awareness of integrating sustainable water management into urban planning. Water harvesting on flyovers not only mitigates flood risks but also contributes to replenishing groundwater reserves, a critical resource in rapidly urbanising cities like Bhopal where water scarcity looms as a long-term challenge. Experts believe this initiative could set a precedent for infrastructure development in other Indian cities grappling with drainage and water sustainability issues.
The PWD’s move complements broader efforts to develop zero net carbon, eco-friendly urban environments that embrace green infrastructure solutions. By capturing rainwater directly where it falls, the city can reduce dependency on conventional water supply sources and lower the environmental footprint of urban infrastructure. Though the installation timeline has not been disclosed, officials have assured that implementation will proceed swiftly given the recent disruptions caused by waterlogging. Public feedback has also highlighted the urgent need for effective drainage and flood mitigation measures in key transit points.
Bhopal’s adoption of rainwater harvesting at the GG flyover aligns with national and global commitments to sustainable urban development and climate resilience. As extreme weather events become more frequent, such initiatives underscore the critical role of proactive infrastructure design in building equitable and livable cities for all citizens. While this solution addresses immediate flooding challenges, it also sends a clear message about the necessity of integrating circular economy principles into city planning—where resources like water are conserved, reused, and managed efficiently to serve communities sustainably.
The success of this project will be closely watched by urban planners and environmentalists, potentially influencing policies and infrastructure upgrades across Madhya Pradesh and beyond. It is a timely example of how innovative thinking in public works can create resilient, future-ready cities that balance human needs with ecological stewardship. As Bhopal progresses on this path, continued monitoring and adaptive management will be essential to ensure the system meets its objectives and contributes to the city’s sustainable development goals.
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