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Deadly Drain Disaster: 13-Year-Old Drowns in Overflowing Kirari Suleman Nagar Drain
30 Jul
Summary
- Kirari Suleman Nagar drain receiving more drainage than capacity
- Drain passes through densely populated, unauthorized areas prone to waterlogging
- Over $58 million sanctioned to redesign drain and upgrade culverts
In November 2024, a tragic incident occurred in New Delhi when a 13-year-old boy drowned in the Kirari Suleman Nagar (KSN) drain. This 7.8-kilometer drain, which starts at Rohini Sector 20-21 and passes through densely populated, unauthorized, and waterlogging-prone areas of Kirari and Mundka, has been struggling to handle the excessive drainage it receives.
In response to this incident, the irrigation and flood control department (IFC) has recently submitted a report to the National Green Tribunal. The report explains that the KSN drain is carrying more drainage than its capacity can accommodate. This is due to the rapid increase of unauthorized colonies in the Kirari and Mundka areas, which have added to the drain's burden by discharging wastewater, sewage, and household waste.
To address the issue, the department has sanctioned over Rs 58 crore (approximately $58 million) to redesign the drain in the Kirari area and resolve the persistent waterlogging problem. Additionally, the department has approved a scheme worth Rs 629.9 lakh (approximately $800,000) to demolish and reconstruct the existing culverts along the drain, which have been creating obstructions and hindering the smooth flow of water.
The irrigation department has also taken measures to ensure the regular maintenance and removal of floating materials, garbage, and obstructions from the drain to maintain a consistent flow throughout the year.
