• By Soumyaroop Mukherjee
  • Sat, 13 Sep 2025 11:23 AM (IST)
  • Source:JND
Add as a preferred

New Delhi: In a major relief to the people of Delhi, the Public Works Department has proposed a new drainage plan on September 13 to address the flooding problems for the next 30 years. Flooding has been a perennial issue for the city, with many parts of the city facing flood-like situations during the monsoon season. 

According to the officials, quoted by NDTV, the new drainage plan will account for an 11 percent increase in rainfall, keeping in mind the future climatic conditions. Delhi currently follows the outdated 1976 Drainage Plan, which was built to handle just 25mm of rainfall at a time. In contrast, the new network will be capable of managing 65-70mm, officials said. While the city occasionally records extreme spells of 100mm rainfall in a day, such instances are limited to four or five days a year.

“Several days in the last two years have seen over 50 mm of rain in a short period, each exposing the city’s weaknesses. The new plan accounts for climate change impacts and adopts an 11% increase in rainfall intensity while designing the system, so we are not caught unprepared,” the official added.

ALSO READ: Tamil Nadu Weather Update: IMD Issues Heavy Rain, Thunderstorm Alert For Coastal Region; Check Forecast For Chennai

What Is The New Drainage Master Plan?

The new drainage plan, which the government of Delhi had finalised, includes:

  • Use of technology to tackle floods: The new drainage plan of Delhi will incorporate tools like ArcGIS, SewerGEMS, and SWMM, which have helped map the topography of Delhi in the past.

  • Natural solutions: Besides using technological solutions, the government is also looking at exploring natural options. Subsequently, options to renew the lakes, wetlands, and green parks, and rainwater harvesting have also been sought as alternatives. According to the officials, these methods will also help develop biodiversity and increase the water table, besides solving the problems of flooding. 

  • Smart monitoring: A real-time monitoring of water levels and performance through the use of IoT will be installed. Moreover, a specialised operations and maintenance team will be deployed to remove the clogging of the drains during the peak season.

    • Formation of coordination board: An Inter-Departmental Coordination Committee is expected to be formed, comprising: the PWD, Delhi Jal Board (DJB), Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Delhi Development Authority (DDA), National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), and Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs).

  • Phase-by-phase execution: The new drainage plan is expected to be implemented phase by phase for proper targeted implementation. Areas facing the highest level of flooding like those near the Yamuna river will be prioritised first.