New Delhi, May 9: The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) Vice Chairman Kuljeet Singh Chahal unveiled a comprehensive Monsoon Action Plan for 2026 on Friday. This initiative aims to ensure smooth civic services during the rainy season and reduce flooding.
Chahal stated that the action plan aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “smart, clean, and technology-based urban governance,” aimed at providing citizens with better, safer, and modern civic amenities.
The plan includes preparations before the monsoon, emergency arrangements during rainfall, and repairs to damaged infrastructure post-monsoon. The NDMC has completed 100% of the first phase of silt removal by March 31, with the second phase expected to be completed by June 15.
To enhance monitoring and planning for flood-prone areas, the NDMC has initiated GIS mapping of the underground drainage network, including bellmouths, gully traps, connecting pipes, manholes, and brick barrel drains.
Extensive cleaning and silt removal of drains, stormwater channels, bellmouths, and gully traps are underway. Repairs to damaged roads, potholes, ditches, manhole covers, and drainage systems are also ongoing. Inspections of roads, bridges, rainwater harvesting pits, and electrical systems are being conducted ahead of the monsoon.
Chahal informed that drainage pumps, DG sets, staff, and control rooms have been arranged at locations prone to flooding. Currently, major flood-prone areas in the NDMC region include Old Fort, Dayal Singh College area, Panchkuian Road, Hanuman Temple, and Satyasadan. CCTV cameras and sensor-based monitoring systems are being installed at these sites for quick action during heavy rainfall.
For the first time, the NDMC has begun robotic inspections of underground drains and covered drains near Taj Mansingh at Q Point. Approximately 85% of the survey work has already been completed. This technology helps identify silt accumulation, blockages, damaged sections, and water accumulation sites. Silt removal is being carried out using super sucker machines at a cost of ₹3.5 million.
Chahal mentioned that next year, silt removal will be conducted over an area of approximately 3,200 square meters using robotic technology at an estimated cost of ₹430 million, covering areas like Q Point, DTC Depot, and Dayal Singh College. The bottom of the drain near Sarojini Nagar was found to be higher than the brick drain, causing waterlogging.
To address this issue, the NDMC has already installed two permanent high-capacity pumps and plans to install two additional pumps by June 15 as needed.
Chahal also highlighted that the NDMC is running awareness campaigns related to monsoon safety, prevention of waterborne diseases, proper waste disposal, and discouraging debris dumping in drains.
Additionally, tree trimming and the removal of weak branches are being carried out to prevent accidents during storms and heavy rainfall.
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