Government orders inspection of waterlogging hotspots
Amid criticism over waterlogging, the Delhi Government on Saturday directed exhaustive inspections of waterlogging hotspots in PWD areas, seeking a report on the same by Monday. Earlier this week, Delhi Lt Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu held a review on the waterlogging situation with the Public Works Department (PWD), in coordination with Delhi Police, and issued directions to fix the problems.
“Top officials and engineers have been directed to carry out inspection at specific locations. The officials have been instructed to ensure that adequate and foolproof measures to prevent waterlogging are put in place, and submit a detailed report in this regard to the Principal Secretary, PWD, by August 31,” an official statement said.
According to officials, after heavy rainfall on August 24 and 25 led to waterlogging at various locations, the L-G directed concerned agencies to ensure foolproof mitigation measures so that the situation is not repeated.
“Delhi Traffic Police had identified 113 waterlogging locations during rainfall up to August 20, and a further 26 locations during rainfall of August 24. The recurrence of waterlogging at such locations necessitates a focused field-level assessment to ascertain whether any additional short-term measures can be taken by PWD within existing infrastructure and available resources,” the statement said.
According to PWD Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh, inspections have already been launched at several locations with officers examining drainage arrangements, outfall conditions, siltation and blockages, pumping arrangements, etc.
Senior officers, including the principal secretary (PWD), will inspect waterlogging locations on Mehrauli-Badarpur road. The special secretary will inspect locations on MG Road, Old Delhi-Gurugram Road, and the Mahipalpur Bypass, the minister said. “We will not wait for the next spell of rain to expose the same problem. Every recurring waterlogging point needs a clear assessment and a practical solution. Accountability, quick response and continuous monitoring will remain our priority,” he said. The minister further directed PWD officers to maintain close monitoring during rest of the monsoon.
Orders have also been issued to provide jackets and raincoats bearing PWD logo to all pump-house operators, PTO pump operators, and engineers, so that responsibility can be fixed in case of any laxity. Principal Secretary (PWD) will inspect the waterlogging locations on Mehrauli-Badarpur Road.
Special Secretary (PWD) will inspect the identified waterlogging locations on MG Road, Old Delhi-Gurugram Road, and Mahipalpur Bypass Road. Engineer-in-Chief (PWD) will inspect identified waterlogging locations in the North Zone, with particular emphasis on Nangloi-Najafgarh Road, Jahangirpuri Metro Station, Model Town, and Lala Jagat Narain Marg. Chief Engineers will inspect identified waterlogging locations falling under their respective jurisdictions, with particular emphasis on chronic/recurrent locations, including New Rohtak Road and 100 Feet Road, Burari (East Zone); Balbir Singh Sidhu Marg, Prembari Underpass, and Palla (North Zone); and Dabri Nala Road, RTR Marg, and Najafgarh-Kapashera Road (South Zone).
Superintending Engineers shall invariably inspect all identified waterlogging locations within their respective jurisdictions, ensuring that every location is physically inspected and appropriately assessed.
During the inspections, officers will specifically examine existing drainage arrangements, outfall conditions, siltation or blockage of drains, availability and functioning of pumping arrangements, encroachments or obstructions, and any other site-specific factors contributing to waterlogging. Officers will also identify practical and immediately implementable short-term measures that PWD can undertake to prevent future waterlogging at such locations.
“Chief Engineers and Superintending Engineers shall ensure that inspections are completed as scheduled, and that location-wise observations and specific recommendations for long-term and additional short-term measures are submitted to the Principal Secretary (PWD) by 31.08.2026, for further necessary action. The inspections shall be treated as urgent and time-bound, keeping in view the possibility of further heavy rainfall during the remaining monsoon period,” Lok Niwas said in a statement issued on Saturday. Orders have also been issued to provide jackets and raincoats bearing the PWD logo to all pump-house operators, PTO pump operators, and AEs/JEs, so that responsibility can be fixed in case of any laxity.