Delhi steps up measures to prevent monsoon-related flooding, releases ‘flood control’ order

The minister also directed the officials to keep the departments concerned on high alert and be prepared to handle emergencies during the monsoon. She emphasised the need for all nodal agencies to work together to prevent issues such as waterlogging or floods.

Regarding preparations for potential floods due to the rise in Yamuna water levels in the Khadar area, she directed officials to check and ensure the readiness of all tools used in relief and rescue operations, and to establish solid arrangements for safely relocating people to secure locations during flood situations.

According to information shared by the minister’s office, PWD has installed 128 pump houses, which have over 700 pumps, and 11 pump houses can start operating automatically as the water level rises, using sensors.

If the situation arises, the PWD will also deploy its mobile pump units, officials said. They added that the desilting work by the PWD is almost complete and will be repeated after the monsoon season.

Besides, PWD’s central control room will monitor the serious waterlogging areas through 24-hour CCTV surveillance. The department will also open 10 more control rooms. Further, the PWD will also come up with a helpline number where the public can register their complaints regarding waterlogging.

There are a total of 165 waterlogging hotspots this year. “Preparations are underway to address their needs and tackle waterlogging issues,” said officials.

Meanwhile, the Irrigation and Flood Control department has also geared up for the monsoon. There are a total of 57 drains with a combined length of approximately 382 kilometers. To clean them, 53 departmental machines have been deployed. As on June 15, 786,497 metric tonnes of desilting work has been completed by the department, said officials.

Additionally, maintenance and upkeep of boats and motorboat engines, repair and maintenance of regulators and gates, and maintenance of pumps and DG sets will be carried out. A 24-hour patrolling will be conducted during floods to ensure the safety and proper functioning of embankments, said officials.