Delhi Fortifies Flood Defenses with New Drain Regulator

As part of its monsoon preparedness, the Delhi government's Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC) department is constructing a new drain regulator on the Mungeshpur drain in outer north Delhi. This structure is designed to prevent the Yamuna River from flowing back into low-lying areas during periods of high discharge. It will be installed at the junction of the drain and the Yamuna floodplain.

This new regulator strengthens Delhi's extensive flood-control network, which includes 40 existing structures. This initiative follows a review of vulnerable infrastructure, prompted by the severe inundation witnessed in July 2023 when the Yamuna reached a record 208.6 metres. The department has also undertaken significant repair and reinforcement work on other key regulators, such as regulator number 12 near ITO, which experienced a breach last year. Upgrades include enhancing gate height and weight, strengthening supports, and reinforcing embankments. Monitoring teams, telemetry systems, and emergency pumping units are also in place.