Drainage System Woes Surface Amid Tragedy and Blame Game in Delhi
In the aftermath of three students’ deaths at a waterlogged coaching centre basement, the blame game between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) continues. At the heart of the issue is Delhi’s obsolete drainage network, straining to cope with monsoon rain.
The Pusa observatory of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported moderate rainfall on the tragic day, with a total of 58 mm, which is typical for the monsoon season. However, Delhi’s drainage system, based on a 1976 master plan designed for a much smaller population and lesser concrete areas, is proving inadequate.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had acknowledged this problem last year after 153 mm of rain led to severe waterlogging. Despite promises, the situation remains unchanged, with the June 28 deluge of 228 mm leading to 11 rain-related deaths, the highest June rainfall since 1936.
A multiplicity of agencies—11 in total—compounds the problem, resulting in coordination issues. In 2011, the Delhi government sought help from IIT Delhi to craft a new drainage master plan, which was submitted in 2018. Despite the institute’s comprehensive mathematical model, a technical committee flagged issues in 2021, citing its complexity.
In a bid to move forward, the Delhi government tasked the Public Works Department (PWD) later in 2021 with creating a new plan, dividing the city into three basins and using the IIT model as a base. However, this effort has faced multiple delays. Officials report that tenders have been given to private firms for each basin, but completion will take more time.
The city’s struggles with an outdated drainage infrastructure underline a pressing need for coordinated, swift action to prevent further tragedies and mitigate monsoon misery.
Original Story https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/waterlogging-woes-continue-as-delhi-relies-on-1976-master-plan/article68457371.ece
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