Delhi Govt plans to build Rs 3,000-crore elevated road over Munak Canal; seeks NOC from Haryana

Gupta said that by taking over the maintenance of the Munak Canal, the government would be able to strengthen it to ensure uninterrupted water flow.

“The canal flows openly through Delhi, and there is no effective mechanism in place to ensure the security of the canal or its water. In several areas under Delhi’s jurisdiction, the canal’s banks are unpaved, leading to frequent contamination of the water. The canal lining (pitching) has also broken down in several places due to a lack of maintenance. These factors contribute to pollution and hinder the natural flow of the canal, even though the treated water from it quenches the thirst of nearly 2 million residents of Delhi,” the Chief Minister’s Office said in a statement.

Gupta also emphasised that the canal is not only a lifeline for Delhi’s drinking water supply but also holds cultural and religious significance. The government also aims to improve the surrounding areas so that religious and cultural events can be held properly. “Large-scale Chhath Puja celebrations are held in this canal, reflecting its social importance,” she said.

She told Haryana officials that if they are facing any difficulties in maintaining the canal, the Delhi

Government is ready to take over its upkeep, said officials.

“We have no budgetary constraints, and our departments are capable of managing and maintaining it better…This canal is Delhi’s lifeline, and we will maintain it with the seriousness and responsibility it deserves,” she said, adding she would soon discuss this matter with Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini.

Will improve traffic, cut travel time

The Munak Canal enters Delhi from Bawana, and ends near Inderlok, covering a stretch of about 20 kilometre.

Officials stated that work on the detailed project report (DPR) will be completed within the next three months. Once completed, it will benefit lakhs of people travelling on this route, which experiences heavy traffic jams, by improving traffic flow, reducing congestion, and cutting travel times for lakhs of commuters.

According to officials, the proposed elevated road will provide seamless, signal-free connectivity from outer areas such as Bawana, Narela, and Rohini to central zones like Inderlok — reducing travel time by up to 40 per cent. The stretch will also directly benefit two Lok Sabha and 18 Delhi Assembly constituencies and 35 municipal wards.

“Currently, the canal and its surrounding lands come under the jurisdiction of Haryana’s Irrigation Department, and the Delhi Government currently has no role in its management. However, this canal is very crucial for Delhi, as water from it is supplied to the Haiderpur Water Treatment Plant, which has a capacity of about 200 MGD,” said an official.

Officials said PWD has sought a no-objection certificate (NOC) from Haryana. “The Haryana Government has agreed to execute the project as a deposit work. It has asked the Delhi Government to handle funding, land demarcation, and boundary clearance. Delhi has assured it will take full responsibility for these aspects, and has requested Haryana to expedite the NOC process so that construction can begin without delay,” said an official.

PWD engineers and NHAI consultants have begun early surveys and alignment planning for the proposed route, said officials.