In a move to prevent waterlogging and flood-related disruptions during the upcoming monsoon season, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has directed all departments to complete desilting of major drains, keep flood-relief equipment ready, deploy nodal officers at all vulnerable spots, and ensure round-the-clock
coordination through a central control room and 15 wireless stations, officials said on Wednesday.
She also instructed the Delhi Jal Board, MCD, PWD and Irrigation and Flood Control Department to remain on high alert, monitor Yamuna levels and be fully prepared for rescue and evacuation in case the river crosses the warning level of 204.5 meters.
The directives were issued during the Apex Committee Meeting on Flood Control held at the Delhi Secretariat, where CM Rekha Gupta reviewed the city’s preparedness and released the “Flood Control Order 2025.” The order outlines roles, contact points and standard operating procedures for all concerned agencies.
Highlighting the 2023 flood crisis, the CM stated that Delhi cannot afford another season of disruption and loss, and warned that strict accountability would be ensured in case of any departmental lapses.
The CM confirmed that over 80 per cent of desilting work by PWD and MCD has been completed, with the rest continuing. Nearly 20 lakh metric tonnes of silt has already been removed from major drains.
The Delhi Jal Board has set up a 24x7 Sewer Overflow Control Room, while 11 Quick Response Centres have been made operational across different circles with engineers, machines and vehicles for immediate redressal of local complaints.
Over 749 pumps installed across 153 PWD pump houses will remain active during the season, including automated stations that respond to rising water levels. PWD will also monitor 36 waterlogging-prone spots in real-time through CCTV feeds to its central control room.
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has deployed 79 permanent and 465 temporary pumps across all 12 zones and removed over 1.45 lakh metric tonnes of silt from drains.
Nodal officers of AE and JE rank have been assigned to monitor 800+ critical drains and low-lying areas. Zonal control rooms remain operational across all MCD zones, supported by a central command centre equipped with portable pumps, trucks, and emergency staff.
The Irrigation and Flood Control Department has 204 functional pumps, including 106 temporary and 56 mobile units, for deployment at key locations. Continuous desilting is underway on 57 departmental drains covering a length of over 400 km.
The department has also undertaken repairs of boats, embankments, and floodgates and will maintain round-the-clock patrolling during high alert situations.
The Central Control Room will start operations from June 15 at the office of the DM (East) and will coordinate efforts across all civic bodies.
The city will be monitored through 15 wireless stations linked to this control hub.
If the Yamuna water level rises beyond the danger mark, residents in low-lying areas will be alerted and shifted to safer locations.
Rescue boats will be stationed at 14 critical points, and all embankments will be reinforced to prevent breach or overflow.
To oversee execution at the ground level, sector committees led by Cabinet Ministers have been formed, with each team including 3–4 District Magistrates.
The CM stated that all preparations, from equipment deployment to inter-agency coordination, must be finalized before the onset of heavy rains to protect the city and its residents. She emphasized that this time, the government is “in action mode” to ensure a flood-resilient Delhi.