- Attends High-Level Meeting on Flood Management & “Jal Sanchay – Jan Bhagidari” Initiative
New Delhi | March 18, 2025, NDMC is set to implement modular pit technology for rainwater harvesting, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable water management. Shri Kuljeet Singh Chahal, Vice Chairman of NDMC, attended a high-level meeting on flood management and the “Jal Sanchay – Jan Bhagidari” initiative, organized by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of Water Resources, at Shram Shakti Bhawan, New Delhi.
The meeting, chaired by Hon’ble Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri C R Patil Ji, was attended by Shri Keshav Chandra, Hon’ble Chairman NDMC, along with senior officials from the Central Water Commission (CWC), National Water Mission (NWM), Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), and other key stakeholders.
Speaking at the meeting, Shri Chahal highlighted the importance of community participation in water conservation and emphasized the need for a collective commitment from all stakeholders.
Keshav Chandra presented a detailed PowerPoint presentation outlining key strategies for effective flood management and rainwater conservation in the NDMC area. To optimize water utilization, NDMC has initiated rainwater harvesting (RWH) projects across its jurisdiction, adopting Modular Rainwater Harvesting (RWH) Pits that leverage crosswave technology—a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution for rainwater collection. These pits require minimal use of bricks and cement, reducing construction costs, and use polypropylene modules wrapped in geo-textile for improved water quality. The load-bearing structures allow dual-use of land for parking or parks, and their high void ratio ensures 95% water storage capacity. Water stored through RWH pits will be utilized for groundwater recharge, fountains, beautification projects, and maintaining green spaces across NDMC areas.
Kuljit Chahal informed that NDMC has already developed 272 RWH pits, including 167 conventional pits and 105 modular pits. Additionally, 182 RWH pits have been cleaned, with full maintenance to be completed by May 30, 2025. To further enhance conservation efforts, 95 new RWH pits, each with a 30 KL capacity, have been constructed.
He said NDMC has identified 27 major waterlogging points, including Purana Quila Road, Golf Link, Lodhi Colony, Africa Avenue, AIIMS Flyover, BKS Marg, Connaught Place, and Vinay Marg, where RWH installations are planned to combat waterlogging and enhance water conservation.
Addressing the issue of flooding and waterlogging, Shri Chahal highlighted NDMC’s 42.7 sq. km drainage network, which includes four major drainage zones. Key challenges include climate change, increased rainfall intensity, limited drain capacity (25 mm per hour), inverse gradient issues at key outfalls such as Sunheri Pulla Nallah and Purana Quila Road, and ongoing construction projects by CPWD, NBCC, Railways, and PWD, all of which affect drainage flow.
Kuljit Chahal said to combat these issues, NDMC has implemented a monsoon preparedness plan, which includes regular cleaning of drainage infrastructure, such as 11,867 manholes, 8,704 bellmouths, and 7,177 chambers/gully traps, along with the desilting of major drains. Routine cleaning is carried out every 45 days, with an additional round scheduled before June, 2025. NDMC has deployed 10 machines for cleaning operations, ensuring timely completion.
As part of its innovative solutions for drainage and flood control, NDMC has invited tenders for desilting through robotic machines, super suckers, and non-manual methods. The tender will be opened on March, 2025, for desilting at Dayal Singh College, Lodhi Road, and DTC Depot, with the project expected to be awarded in April 2025 and completed by June 2025.
He said to mitigate waterlogging, NDMC has deployed dewatering pumps at flood-prone areas and enhanced coordination with CPWD, PWD, I&FC, NBCC, and Railways. A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been developed to ensure a well-coordinated pre-monsoon and monsoon response.
Additional measures include 24×7 CCTV monitoring through the Integrated Command & Control Centre (ICCC) at Palika Kendra, real-time complaint resolution via the ICCC and the NDMC311 Mobile App, and the establishment of drainage control rooms at six strategic locations equipped with manpower and mobile pumps. NDMC has also deployed pressure jetting machines and super suckers to remove obstructions such as plastic waste, dry leaves, and debris from the drainage system. Furthermore, eight new 32 HP trolley-mounted dewatering pumps have been procured and deployed at flood-prone locations.
Chahal said that in line with the Prime Minister resolve to make water conservation a national priority, these proactive steps taken by NDMC to emphasize “Water Conservation – Public Participation” reaffirm the Council’s commitment to water conservation. He stated that by integrating innovative rainwater harvesting solutions and a robust flood control system, NDMC aims to ensure effective water conservation, enhanced drainage infrastructure, and long-term water security in New Delhi.
