To provide a permanent solution to the chronic waterlogging that tarnishes the global image of Cyber City, a new drain will be constructed to channel rainwater from Gurugram to the Yamuna River via Nuh and Palwal. The decision was formalised in a high-level meeting on Thursday, chaired by Union Minister for Power, Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, who has directed officials to prepare a detailed project report within one month.

The Proposed Plan And Directives

During a brainstorming session at the PWD Rest House, Minister Manohar Lal stated that the existing Najafgarh drain is incapable of managing Gurugram's rainwater runoff, making a new drainage route the only viable option.

Key directives issued by the minister include:

Detailed Project Report (DPR): Officials from the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) and the Irrigation and Water Resources Department are to jointly prepare a detailed study report for the project within one month.

Feasibility Study: The report must analyse the proposed route from Cyber City to Palwal, considering geographical conditions, the natural flow of water, and the potential need for lift systems in hilly areas.

Timeline: The final report will be presented at the upcoming NCR Planning Board meeting. Minister Lal will personally review the work's progress within the next 15 days.

Additional Survey: Officials have also been asked to prepare a report on the existing water reservoirs built on government land in and around Gurugram.

Addressing A Chronic And Worsening Problem

Gurugram's waterlogging issue has become increasingly severe over the years. Previously, the city would flood after 100 mm of rain, but now flood-like situations arise with as little as 30 to 40 mm of rainfall. Key areas like the Delhi-Jaipur Highway, Golf Course Road, and major underpasses at Medanta Hospital, Subhash Chowk, and Hero Honda Chowk become inundated, paralysing the city. This recurring problem forces employees in the vital IT sector to work from home and causes significant embarrassment for the internationally recognised business hub.

Envisioned Benefits And Broader Impact

The new drainage project is expected to yield multiple benefits:

Permanent Solution: It will offer a long-term resolution to Gurugram's flooding problem.

Reduced Pressure: It will significantly decrease the burden on the over-capacity Najafgarh drain.

Agricultural Support: As highlighted by State Minister for Industries and Commerce, Rao Narbir Singh, the project will increase water availability in the Nuh district, which can be utilised for agriculture.

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The initiative is part of a broader strategy by the central government to find a permanent solution to waterlogging in both Delhi and Gurugram. The high-level meeting was attended by top officials, including Principal Advisor for Urban Development DS Dhesi, GMDA CEO Shyamal Mishra, and the Commissioners of Police and the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram, underscoring the collaborative effort to address the critical issue.

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