GMDA to Complete Critical Stormwater Drain in Gurgaon to Combat Waterlogging
In a significant move to address persistent flooding issues, the Gurgaon Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) is set to construct a crucial missing link in the stormwater drainage system along Sectors 62 and 65. This project aims to plug a critical gap in the drainage network serving new residential sectors along the Southern Peripheral Road, where incomplete infrastructure has led to annual monsoon challenges for residents.
Project Details and Historical Context
The planned construction involves approximately 550 metres of stormwater drain that will connect to an existing drain built by the Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) between 2014 and 2016. This earlier project remained incomplete due to prolonged litigation over a land dispute, leaving the drainage system disconnected and ineffective. With the legal hurdles now resolved, GMDA has taken up the initiative to complete this vital infrastructure component.
The tender for this important project has already been floated, with an estimated cost of around Rs 2 crore. Once the contract is awarded, authorities expect the construction work to take approximately six months to complete. This timeline is crucial as it aims to address waterlogging issues before the next monsoon season.
Infrastructure Impact and Connectivity
Currently, the area already has between 1,400 and 1,500 metres of existing stormwater drain infrastructure. The new 550-meter stretch will create a continuous drainage line, allowing stormwater to flow as originally planned by urban planners. The completed system will channel water into the Kost Nallah, which further connects to the Badshahpur drain, establishing a proper downstream route for stormwater disposal.
A GMDA official explained the significance of this project: "The stormwater drain network was incomplete due to litigation. Now that the matter is resolved, we are taking up the project to complete the drainage system and reduce the risk of waterlogging. Bids were invited for the construction of the master stormwater drain along Sectors 62 and 65 to ensure proper drainage connectivity in the area."
Parallel Infrastructure Development
This drainage project follows another important infrastructure initiative in the same area. In November of last year, GMDA allotted work for constructing a missing road along Sectors 62 and 65 after HSVP handed over possession of the land to the authority. That road project is estimated to cost Rs 4.8 crore with a completion deadline set for November this year.
The GMDA official provided details about the road construction progress: "Work on the 350-metre main carriageway portion is underway, while the 170-metre service road portion will be taken up after that." These parallel developments indicate a comprehensive approach to addressing infrastructure gaps in Gurgaon's expanding sectors.
Resident Perspectives and Long-standing Concerns
Local residents have welcomed the development while expressing frustration over the delayed implementation. Manu Gupta, a resident of Emerald Hills, highlighted the prolonged infrastructure deficit: "Basic infrastructure like a proper stormwater drain or road connectivity is still missing, despite people living in this area for the last 9–10 years. Monsoon flooding is a challenge every year due to a lack of proper drainage connectivity."
Gupta added a note of cautious optimism: "However, it's better late than never, and we hope the authority finally completes the work in a time-bound manner so the problem doesn't continue year after year." This sentiment reflects the broader community's desire for reliable urban infrastructure that matches the pace of Gurgaon's residential development.
The GMDA has confirmed that construction of the stormwater drain will commence immediately after the tender process concludes, marking a significant step toward resolving chronic waterlogging issues that have plagued these sectors for nearly a decade.
