Delhi's 'Troublesome' Drains Imperil Flood Management

New Delhi faces significant challenges in managing urban flooding due to eight identified 'troublesome' drains. These waterways are severely impacted by encroachments, sewage discharge, and extensive waste dumping, complicating essential maintenance efforts. The problems and proposed solutions are detailed in the recently approved Master Plan of Delhi 2047.

Maintenance across multiple agencies like the MCD, IFC, DDA, and DJB proves difficult. Issues range from water pipelines obstructing flow in Escape Drain No 1 to heavy silt from water treatment plants. In North East Delhi, the Biharipur drain is choked by municipal solid waste and cow dung, with limited space for machinery.

Similar constraints affect the Bund drain, where surrounding houses and waste dumping pose problems. The Kirari Suleman Nagar drain grapples with household waste and sewage from 106 unsewered colonies. The Pankha Road drain suffers from waste, encroachment, and high-tension wire issues, while the relief drain faces dumping by locals and hawkers.

Solutions proposed in the MPD include shifting pipelines, demolishing unauthorized constructions, constructing parallel roads and carriageways, remodelling channels, and diverting wastewater. For drains like Nasirpur and Asola in South Delhi, the MCD is tasked with constructing proper garbage collection points and installing steel mesh to prevent waste entry. The overall objective of these interventions is to restore the drains' capacity and ensure regular upkeep, particularly in anticipation of heavy rainfall and potential flooding.

The plan includes specific measures such as demolishing three culverts and laying Hume pipes to increase waterway capacity in Kirari Suleman Nagar. For Pankha Road drain, concrete walls will be built, and collaboration between DJB and power companies will address overhead wire issues. The National Highways Authority of India plans to remodel the relief drain entirely.