Delhi identifies eight problematic drains hindering flood control

Authorities in Delhi have identified eight specific drains that are particularly difficult to maintain, posing significant challenges to the city's flood control and waterlogging management. According to the Service Plan Report from the Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC) Department and the recently approved Delhi Master Plan 2047, these drains suffer from chronic issues including encroachment, sewage discharge, garbage accumulation, and the dumping of cow dung.

These factors hinder desilting processes and reduce the water-carrying capacity of the channels during heavy monsoon rains. Maintenance is further complicated by logistical and structural barriers, affecting multiple agencies such as the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), and the Delhi Jal Board (DJB).

Specific examples of these obstructions include Escape Drain Number 1, where water pipelines obstruct natural flow, and the Biharipur drain, which is constrained by closely packed housing. Proposed remedial measures include shifting pipelines, constructing parallel carriageways to allow machinery access, demolishing unauthorized constructions, and remodeling drainage channels.