Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj unveiled the renovated water regulators on 14 drains in the national capital to enhance flood preparedness during the monsoon season. On Thursday, Bharadwaj detailed the steps taken by his department to mitigate the risk of flooding, including the renovation of crucial infrastructure and the implementation of temporary measures to facilitate water movement.
Bharadwaj explained that pilot cuts had been made wherever there were islands to help water flow more efficiently. Key locations such as the ITO bridge, Old Railway bridge, and areas near Vasudev Ghat have been targeted. These pilot cuts are temporary measures designed to create additional passages for extra discharge during floods. He noted that the regulator of drain number 12 near the WHO Building, which had broken during last year’s floods, has been restored. This breach had caused significant flooding in areas like ITO.
The minister recounted the breach of the Indraprastha water regulator on July 17 last year due to the strong current in the Yamuna River. The river’s water level had reached its highest point in 70 years, peaking at 208.66 meters, far above the danger mark of 205.33 meters. The previous high was recorded at 207.49 meters in 1978.
To bolster flood defenses, the department has restored all 14 drains with regulators. Significant improvements include raising the height of gates at critical regulators such as the Tanga Stand and Metcalf House. Additionally, plans are in place to construct a stepped ramp at the Monastery Market, which experienced severe flooding last year. However, the construction will proceed only after consulting with the market association, coordinated by the district magistrates of the east and central districts.
Bharadwaj identified the primary cause of flooding in Delhi as water discharge into the Yamuna from the Hathnikund Barrage in Haryana, compounded by heavy rain. To protect the city, direct drainage discharge is halted through regulators when the river’s level rises. Warnings are issued when the water level reaches 204.5 meters, and evacuations commence at 205.33 meters. Public announcements are made when the discharge from the Hathnikund Barrage exceeds 1 lakh cusecs. If the discharge surpasses 3 lakh cusecs, people living on the river embankments are warned and arrangements are made to relocate them. At 5 lakh cusecs, people in flood-prone areas are moved to higher altitudes.
Unlike cities like Mumbai, which discharge drainage water into the sea, Delhi discharges into the Yamuna River. When the Yamuna’s level increases, direct drainage discharge is stopped to prevent backflow into the city, necessitating the use of pumps to manage water levels. Bharadwaj assured that this year, all pumps are ready for operation.
He also noted that water discharge from other states is minimal. However, constructions around Haryana’s Najafgarh Lake pose a significant flood risk to both Delhi and Haryana. Bharadwaj has written to Haryana’s Chief Secretary and Chief Minister, urging them to halt these developments.
Furthermore, the Flood Control Department now receives real-time data on water levels, thanks to advancements in technology. Last year, arrangements were manual, but this year, everything is online, providing timely and accurate updates.
Bharadwaj also highlighted the success in desilting efforts, with 12,97,000 metric tons of silt removed. A flood control room has been established in Shastri Nagar, providing real-time online updates to enhance flood management capabilities.
These comprehensive measures underscore Delhi’s commitment to improving flood resilience and protecting its residents from the monsoon’s impacts.
