Drainage Master Plan flags infra projects obstructing natural flow of water, recommends water-sensitivity study in future

The consultants, appointed by the Public Works Department (PWD) to study the drainage system in the national capital, have also prepared a detailed project report (DPR) for each of three basins. This report highlights the current problems, challenges and recommends solutions.

Among the big projects flagged are those designed with an aim to reduce the city’s traffic and improve connectivity. “The existing Western Peripheral Expressway has significantly impacted the flow patterns within the Najafgarh basin, extending beyond Delhi’s National Capital Territory (NCT),” reads the report.

The 135-kilometer long elevated corridor is constructed with a key aim to ease the traffic congestion and reduce air pollution. However, the reports suggest that this corridor has altered regional water flows that directly impacts the city.

“Currently, feasibility, soil investigation and several other studies are conducted before starting the construction work of any flyover or underground tunnel but water-sensitive studies are not conducted majorly as such. However, key findings in the plan are essential considerations for developing an effective plan aimed at mitigating flood risk in the project area,” said a senior PWD official.

The report has recommended that “it is crucial to integrate drainage considerations into the design of significant city infrastructure.”

The report also gave examples with reference to upcoming projects saying, “Proposals to construct a ring railway along these peripheral roads may further modify these flow patterns. Water is anticipated to enter Delhi’s NCT through designated points only.”

With the population of Delhi projected to reach 308 million, there will be an increase in urbanisation, particularly in the western and northern regions, which fall within the Najafgarh Basin, states the report.

The report also talks about the proposed elevated Ring Road above the already existing stretch by the PWD, proposing it to integrate drainage considerations into the design of significant city infrastructure. “Additionally, developing an elevated Ring Road and expanding the Delhi Metro could alter water flows, leading to waterlogging and increased flooding…,” says the report.

The proposed corridor will span over 56 km over the existing inner Ring Road, also called the Mahatma Gandhi Marg Ring Road. It starts at Nigambodh Ghat and stretches up to Burari, covering arterial sections like AIIMS, Ashram, Sarai Kale Khan, Punjabi Bagh and Lajpat Nagar.

“The proposed elevated corridor is expected to span around 80 km when ramps, loops, and additional connecting roads are included, offering improved connectivity and easing traffic flow at several known bottlenecks,” said an official.

“The focus on water-sensitive spatial planning and incorporating blue-green infrastructure are essential for promoting sustainable and resilient urban development,” the report underlines.

Officials said that a cabinet note for the approval of Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been sent to the government. Once approved, PWD will invite tenders from private firms to begin on-ground execution and turn the plan – which aims at a five-year deadline – into a long-term solution for Delhi’s drainage needs.

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