Delhi: PWD Minister inspects Chhatarpur for waterlogging solution

New Delhi, July 17 (AHN) Taking serious note of the persistent waterlogging at Dera Mandi Road near Mandi Village, Delhi PWD and Water Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh on Friday inspected the Chhatarpur area and announced measures to address the problem.

The Minister reviewed the condition of the road, drainage network and sewer system after heavy accumulation of rainwater was reported on Dera Mandi Road. Senior officials accompanied him during the inspection, said an official statement.

The affected stretch falls under the jurisdiction of the MCD. Keeping public convenience as the top priority, the Delhi government is working in close coordination with the concerned agencies to ensure both immediate relief and a long-term solution, it said.

As an immediate measure, PTO pumps have been deployed and are operating continuously to drain out the accumulated water from the affected stretch, it said.

Officials informed the Minister that the location is a natural low-lying point where rainwater collects during heavy showers.

Earlier, the accumulated water used to drain through a natural channel towards Haryana. However, with that outlet no longer available, rainwater is now trapped at this location, resulting in recurring waterlogging during heavy rainfall.

Following a detailed review on site, it was decided that PWD will construct a new precast RCC drain from Dera Mandi Road to Dera Bhati Road, which will then connect to Bandh Road, from where the water will be pumped into the SSN Marg drain within Delhi.

The project is designed to provide a permanent drainage solution and significantly improve stormwater management in the area.

Speaking during the inspection, Parvesh Sahib Singh said, “Mandi Gaon and Dera Gaon lie along the Delhi-Haryana border. Years ago, before large-scale urban development and before Gurugram expanded the way it has today, rainwater used to flow naturally through existing drainage channels.”

“Today, with extensive concrete construction, rapid urbanisation and a significant increase in population, those natural pathways have disappeared. As a result, rainwater and even sewer water accumulate here during heavy rainfall,” he said.

The Minister said the Delhi government is committed to addressing legacy infrastructure challenges through scientific planning and durable engineering solutions.

“Our objective is not merely to remove water after every spell of rain but to create infrastructure that prevents waterlogging in the first place. Every vulnerable location is being assessed, and long-term solutions are being implemented on priority,” he said.