DDA steps up desilting, pumping measures to prevent monsoon waterlogging

New Delhi: Ahead of the monsoon season, Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has initiated a series of measures to minimise waterlogging at 11 vulnerable locations and six zones in its jurisdiction. The authority has deployed high-capacity pumping vehicles and plans to deploy dedicated response teams for swift action during heavy rains.

The measures were discussed during a meeting chaired by LG T S Sandhu to review the Desilting Action Plan 2026 for drains under DDA’s jurisdiction. Directing officials to complete all pending works latest by June 15, LG stressed no compromise would be tolerated in either the quality or adherence to timelines.

DDA oversees nearly 494.8 km of drains spread across its east, south, north, Narela, Rohini and Dwarka zones. Of these, the largest network is in Dwarka, with 192.3 km of drains, followed by Rohini with 156.2 km and Narela with 69.1 km.

During the meeting, officials informed LG that about 22.2% of the desilting work has been completed, with Narela recording the fastest progress. “Nearly 40 km out of 69 km (57%) in Narela has already been desilted,” an official said, adding that LG directed other zones to accelerate work at a similar pace. He also instructed that the removed silt be lifted immediately to prevent inconvenience to residents and commuters.

Among the 11 identified waterlogging-prone locations, 10 are in south zone while one is in east zone. The vulnerable stretches include Okhla underpass, Dwarka flyover side road, Pathar Market in Dwarka Sector 20 and Utsav Park in Patparganj.

“To tackle waterlogging at these hotspots, nine high-capacity pumping machines have been deployed in south zone, while a separate pumping vehicle has been stationed in east zone. The progress of desilting and preparedness measures will be reviewed again soon,” an official said.

DDA officials also highlighted corrective works undertaken after severe waterlogging incidents during last year’s monsoon. At the Sarita Vihar underpass, repair work on the drainage system and a 100-metre damaged stretch was initiated through a tender issued in Dec. “Debris and waste were cleared from the drains to ensure smooth flow of rainwater,” an official had stated earlier.

Similar measures were taken at Harkesh Nagar, another location that witnessed major flooding last year. “Extensive remedial work was carried out there. We expect the situation to improve significantly this monsoon,” an official said.

Officials also informed LG at the meeting that a central flood control room is being set up for real-time monitoring of waterlogging situations across DDA areas. Sandhu directed them to operationalise a dedicated 24x7 helpline at the earliest so that complaints related to waterlogging can be addressed on priority. Emphasising the importance of preparedness, LG said DDA should set an example for other civic agencies. “It must function as a role model and ensure that its work reflects the stature of Delhi as a global capital,” an official quoted him as saying.