Large parts of South Delhi could be at risk of waterlogging again this monsoon as desilting of three critical drainage channels — Kushak, Sunehripul, and Defence Colony drains — remains incomplete.
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has admitted that drain clearance work may not meet the May 31 deadline, just weeks ahead of the expected monsoon onset on June 27. In an affidavit to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) dated May 5, MCD stated that while efforts were underway, progress on desilting the covered sections of the drains was uneven. The 1.4-kilometre Sunehripul drain, flowing along Defence Colony to Barapullah, is yet to see any desilting activity, with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) now responsible for the task. Work will begin once funds are released by NDMC, the agency confirmed. The affidavit clarified that only after stabilisation of the Sunehripul drain can work begin on the Kushak drain, which spans 6.5 kilometres and has a crucial one-kilometre covered stretch near the DTC bus depot. Similarly, of the 1.6-kilometre Defence Colony drain, 1.3 kilometres remain covered. MCD said tenders for this stretch will be opened on May 10, with a completion target of 120 days post-award. A 50-metre section has been opened so far.
NGT, which is reviewing several petitions from residents of Nizamuddin West, Defence Colony, and Shahdara, has demanded a detailed timeline from MCD and a safety plan for covered openings. Petitioners have also flagged recurring issues of foul smells and sewage overflow contributing to monsoon flooding. Last year’s monsoon left several areas inundated due to insufficient desilting. In response, all drain maintenance was transferred to the irrigation and flood control (I&FC) department. However, even I&FC raised concerns in March about desilting covered portions of the Kushak and Sunehripul drains.
Despite earlier directives, the upcoming monsoon could expose South Delhi residents to repeat disruptions unless accelerated coordination and execution take place in the coming weeks.
