New Delhi, July 21: The Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, T.S. Sandhu, and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta convened a meeting on Monday to assess the preparations for heavy rainfall and urban flood prevention strategies through the Delhi Disaster Management Authority.
During the meeting, the Lieutenant Governor warned officials that accountability would be enforced if the directives to prevent flooding were not followed. Officials reported a significant reduction in the number of flood-prone areas in Delhi over the past year.
According to official statements, there were 194 flood-affected locations in 2024, which decreased to 169 in 2025. So far in 2026, only 34 such locations have been identified.
The meeting also reviewed the progress of establishing the State Disaster Response Force in the capital.
Present at the meeting were ministers Pravesh Sahib Singh, Ashish Sood, the Chief Secretary, the Special Police Commissioner (Traffic), the Additional Chief Secretary (Irrigation and Flood Control), the MCD Commissioner, the Vice Chairman of the DDA, the Divisional Commissioner, and senior officials from various relevant departments including Public Works, Home, Transport, and Fire Services.
The Lieutenant Governor noted that there has been considerable improvement in flood and waterlogging conditions this year compared to 2024 and 2025, but emphasized that further improvements are still needed.
He mentioned that the Meteorological Department has predicted sudden and heavy rainfall, urging that measures be taken to minimize or completely prevent waterlogging in the city.
The Lieutenant Governor pointed out that the issue of flooding in Delhi has persisted for a long time. He instructed officials to continue working on a long-term drainage master plan while also implementing short-term measures with utmost seriousness.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta expressed satisfaction with the ongoing desilting of drains but directed that the removed silt be disposed of immediately.
She also insisted that no drain, sewer line, or manhole be left open, and that potholes on roads be filled promptly.
The meeting addressed the issue of hazardous trees that may fall during storms and heavy rainfall. It was emphasized that instead of reacting after an incident, officials should proactively identify and remove such trees.
The Chief Minister expressed serious concern on this matter, instructing officials to prioritize the identification and removal of dangerous trees to prevent any potential loss of life.
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