New Delhi: Ahead of the monsoon season, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has initiated a series of measures to minimise waterlogging at 11 vulnerable locations and six zones under its jurisdiction. The authority has deployed high-capacity pumping vehicles and plans to set up dedicated response teams for swift action during heavy rains.
Review Meeting Chaired by LG
The measures were discussed during a meeting chaired by Lieutenant Governor T S Sandhu to review the Desilting Action Plan 2026 for drains under DDA’s jurisdiction. Directing officials to complete all pending works by June 15, the LG stressed that no compromise would be tolerated in either quality or adherence to timelines.
Drain Network Overview
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.
Desilting Progress
During the meeting, officials informed the 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 the 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.
Vulnerable Locations
Among the 11 identified waterlogging-prone locations, 10 are in the south zone while one is in the east zone. The vulnerable stretches include Okhla underpass, Dwarka flyover side road, Pathar Market in Dwarka Sector 20 and Utsav Park in Patparganj.
Deployment of Pumps and Teams
“To tackle waterlogging at these hotspots, nine high-capacity pumping machines have been deployed in the south zone, while a separate pumping vehicle has been stationed in the east zone. The progress of desilting and preparedness measures will be reviewed again soon,” an official said.
Corrective Works from Last Year
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 December. “Debris and waste were cleared from the drains to ensure smooth flow of rainwater,” an official 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.
Central Flood Control Room and Helpline
Officials also informed the 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, the 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.
