Govt approves Rs 21,000 crore flood plan
Delhi has approved a massive Rs 21,000-crore urban flood mitigation plan and decided to set up an advanced command and control system to strengthen disaster preparedness ahead of the monsoon season.
The decisions were taken at a meeting of the Delhi State Disaster Management Authority (DSDMA), chaired by Lt Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu and co-chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta at Lok Niwas on Wednesday.
The Authority gave in-principle approval to the Delhi Urban Flood Mitigation Plan, which aims to significantly reduce waterlogging and flood risks in the Capital. The plan includes strengthening drainage infrastructure, desilting major drains, constructing additional stormwater channels, and deploying real-time flood monitoring systems.
Officials said the project is designed as a comprehensive long-term solution to recurring flooding during the monsoon. The Chief Minister stressed the need for the timely execution of the plan, given the approaching rainy season.
In another key decision, the Authority approved the establishment of a state-of-the-art Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) and an Integrated Command and Control Centre. These facilities will function as the central hub for disaster response in the city.
Officials said the centres will enable real-time coordination between agencies and use advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and satellite data for predictive analysis. They are expected to improve response time during emergencies such as floods, earthquakes, fires, and chemical incidents.
The Lt Governor directed all departments to expedite the implementation of these projects and ensure timely completion. The meeting also reviewed Delhi’s energy preparedness in the context of potential disruptions linked to the ongoing geopolitical situation in the Gulf region. Authorities discussed measures to ensure an uninterrupted power supply, especially to critical infrastructure.
The Chief Minister emphasised the need for efficient energy management, including promoting renewable energy integration and preventing black marketing or hoarding.
