The Public Works Department (PWD) in New Delhi has intensified its flood-preparedness measures ahead of the monsoon season. Supervisory officers have been assigned to hundreds of waterlogging-prone locations across the capital, with a warning that disciplinary action could be taken if flooding occurs in areas under their charge.
Identification of Waterlogging Points
According to an official order, the PWD, in coordination with the Delhi Traffic Police, identified 448 waterlogging points across Delhi between 2023 and 2025. Among these, 197 locations have been categorised as highly vulnerable and placed under special monitoring in the east, south, and north zones. The officers assigned to these sites will be personally accountable for ensuring preventive measures during the monsoon season this year.
The order stated: “In the event of any occurrence of waterlogging or flooding at the assigned locations, the officer concerned shall be liable for disciplinary action.”
Key Vulnerable Locations
In the east zone, vulnerable stretches include Bhairon Marg, the Ghazipur Dairy Farm area, Loni Road on both carriageways, Mathura Road, and Minto Road in front of the Delhi Secretariat. Key locations identified in the south zone include the AIIMS-Sarai Kale Khan corridor on both carriageways, Dwarka Underpass, MB Road, the Subzi Mandi area, Najafgarh, and Lajpat Nagar Underpass. In the north zone, Haiderpur, the Zakhira-Moti Nagar stretch, and Zakhira Underpass have been marked for close monitoring.
Deployment of Quick Reaction Teams
The move coincides with the deployment of Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) across 13 districts to respond to emergencies during storms and heavy rainfall. Constituted under the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), the teams will handle incidents such as uprooted trees, blocked roads, and other weather-related disruptions. The PWD has deputed 39 assistant engineers as QRT leaders. The teams will operate in three eight-hour shifts to ensure round-the-clock response during the monsoon.
Officials said the measures are aimed at cutting response time during extreme weather events. “These teams shall be responsible for ensuring prompt response to emergencies arising due to fallen or uprooted trees and facilitating their removal,” the order said.
These proactive steps are part of the PWD's broader strategy to mitigate the impact of monsoon rains and ensure minimal disruption to daily life in the capital.
