NDMC Unveils Project to Prevent Waterlogging in Delhi
The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has initiated a new project aimed at enhancing the city’s drainage and water management systems.
The NDMC has embarked on the construction of a 500,000-litre underground reservoir near Purana Qila Road, designed to alleviate waterlogging during the monsoon season, a recurring problem in parts of Delhi’s central areas. The foundation stone for the project was laid by an official from the NDMC, marking a significant step in the city’s monsoon preparedness strategy. The underground tank will be directly connected to a pump house and a newly established pipeline network, improving water flow and drainage during the heavy rains. NDMC officials assert that the collected rainwater will not only reduce waterlogging but can also be channelled for ground water recharge, contributing to long-term sustainability.
This project is part of a broader effort by the NDMC to overhaul Delhi’s urban water management system, particularly in Lutyens’ Delhi, which often sees inundation during the monsoon months. Areas surrounding the newly constructed Parliament building, social clubs, and commercial hubs such as Connaught Place are among the worst-hit when heavy rainfall leads to overflow in the city’s outdated drainage network. In 2024, waterlogging became a particular concern when delegates attending the World Heritage Committee meet faced difficulties navigating the flooded streets, highlighting the urgent need for infrastructural improvements in the city’s drainage system.
The underground reservoir is expected to be completed by the end of June, ahead of the monsoon season. According to officials, the project will provide an effective solution for managing stormwater, especially in areas where traditional drainage systems have repeatedly failed to keep up with the volume of rainfall. By storing rainwater temporarily, the reservoir will prevent the flooding of roads and public spaces, thereby safeguarding vital infrastructure in the city. Officials also revealed that the reservoir will be part of a larger strategy to improve water management in the capital. Smaller sumps are being built at other identified locations, aimed at addressing the waterlogging problems in vulnerable areas. This multi-pronged approach is in line with the NDMC’s vision to improve the overall efficiency of the city’s drainage system, particularly during the heavy rains that characterise the Indian monsoon.
In addition to the underground reservoir, the NDMC has outlined a comprehensive strategy to improve the drainage network across New Delhi. The city’s drainage system has been divided into four key zones based on connectivity to major Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) drains. These zones include areas like Connaught Place, India Gate, and Tilak Marg, all of which have historically faced waterlogging issues. The Purana Qila Road zone, in particular, has been identified as one of the most vulnerable, with its topography and elevation contributing to slow water outflow and backflow during heavy rains. One of the major challenges contributing to the waterlogging issue is the elevation discrepancy in parts of central Delhi, where rainwater flows from the elevated regions around the Parliament building and surrounding areas towards the Purana Qila drain. Due to the high volume of rainfall, the capacity of existing drains is often surpassed, resulting in water backing up and flooding roads. This problem is especially evident around Pandara Road, a popular area for both residents and tourists. The new underground reservoir is expected to address this issue by temporarily holding the excess water, which will then be gradually released into the drainage system or used for recharge purposes.
In addition to the immediate solution of the underground reservoir, the NDMC’s longer-term strategy includes the trenchless rehabilitation of older brick drains. This method will allow for the upgrading of existing drainage systems without causing significant disruption to roads and public spaces. The NDMC is also conducting feasibility studies for the construction of artificial reservoirs in parks and other public spaces. These artificial reservoirs would capture rainwater run-off from roads and help mitigate the impact of monsoon flooding. Experts have emphasised the need for sustainable and eco-friendly solutions to manage waterlogging in urban environments. The NDMC’s focus on capturing rainwater and using it for groundwater recharge aligns with broader environmental goals, such as reducing the dependency on external water sources and conserving natural water supplies. The integration of green infrastructure, including rainwater harvesting and the preservation of natural water bodies, is a key aspect of the NDMC’s overall approach to building a more resilient and sustainable city.
Despite the significant steps being taken to address waterlogging, the NDMC faces several challenges. The drainage system in Delhi has been struggling to keep up with the rapid urbanisation of the city. In many areas, the capacity of the existing infrastructure has not been sufficient to handle the increased volume of water during the monsoon season. Additionally, the city’s growth has led to the construction of buildings and roads in previously open spaces, further reducing the natural absorption capacity of the land. With climate change contributing to more erratic weather patterns and increasing rainfall in urban areas, the need for a modern, efficient, and sustainable drainage system has never been more critical. The NDMC’s investment in the underground reservoir near Purana Qila Road is a timely initiative that reflects the need for long-term, eco-friendly solutions to urban water management.
As the NDMC continues to implement its water management strategy, residents of Lutyens’ Delhi can expect an improvement in their daily commute during the monsoon months. While the underground reservoir project is just one step towards addressing the city’s waterlogging issues, it signifies a commitment to building a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable urban environment for future generations. The success of this initiative could set a precedent for other urban areas across India, demonstrating the importance of innovative solutions to combat waterlogging and promote environmental sustainability in the face of climate change.
