The Central government has announced a ₹57,000-crore drainage master plan to fix Delhi’s long-standing problems with waterlogging and poor drainage. This is the first major drainage plan for the city since 1976. Over the years, Delhi’s population has grown rapidly, from about 60 lakh to nearly 2.5 crore, putting huge pressure on its outdated and overloaded drainage system.
Under the new plan, the entire city has been divided into three main drainage areas: Najafgarh, Barapullah, and Trans-Yamuna. Each area will be studied in detail to find out where the problems are. Experts will carry out surveys and use modern technology to understand where drains are blocked, where water collects, and how water flows through the city. Based on this, old drains will be repaired, and new infrastructure will be built where needed.
The project will be carried out in five phases, with the most flood-affected areas being fixed first. The goal is to reduce waterlogging by 50% in the next three years and cut down on flood-related accidents by 30% in five years. The plan covers more than 18,900 kilometers of drainage lines across Delhi.
Several government departments will work together to make this plan a success, including the PWD, MCD, DDA, NDMC, and the Flood Control Department. The Union Minister in charge has said that the Centre will fully support the project, both financially and administratively.
This drainage plan is expected to make Delhi better prepared for heavy rains and prevent the kind of waterlogging that causes major problems for residents every year.
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