Kirari project first to be cleared under Delhi Drainage Master Plan, Minister says will bring relief to waterlogging hotspot

There are over 70 unauthorised colonies and multiple areas nearby in the region with no sewage and drainage line. “With the development of new drainage lines, all these areas will benefit directly from this redevelopment…Once completed, the sewer and drainage system will be in uniformity and the people will not suffer from waterlogging during monsoon,” said the Minister.

Under the project, which was approved at a recently held Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) meeting chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the I&FC department proposed to construct a the new drain line along the railway line from Mundka halt station to Najafgarh and a supplementary line along Delhi-Bhatinda railway line, said officials.

Officials said the Kirari region in Northwest Delhi is among the most underdeveloped places in the Capital with several low lying areas “severely prone” to waterlogging during monsoon. Several residents in the past have complained about disruption in everyday routine due to waterlogging and poor road conditions.

As per the officials, there is only one storm water drain in the area, which is maintained by the I&FC.

“The financial approval to the project is now sanctioned. The department will now start the tendering process which will take about two months. Once work is awarded, work on ground will start. The aim is to complete the project by next year, so that the waterlogging issue is addressed before next monsoon,” said a senior official.

Officials also added that they have received an NOC from the Railway as the drainage line is being constructed on its land. A memorandum of understanding (Mou) was also signed between the I & FC department and other stakeholders including Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Delhi Development Authority and Public Works Department.

The project divided into two phases is expected to be complete by 2027, officials said.

“Our government is committed to ensuring that modern and scientifically designed drainage systems replace the old, choked networks. This initiative will not only end years of monsoon suffering for lakhs of residents but also set a new benchmark for flood-free urban planning in Delhi,” the Minister for I&FC said.