Clearing the Way: PWD’s New Sumps & Strategy to Flush Out Waterlogging Woes

With waterlogging a perpetual menace with each monsoon spell, the Delhi Public Works Department (PWD) has declared a citywide plan of action to address seven major hotspots on the capital. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta's go-ahead has sanctioned an instant solution together with engineering interventions of a long-term nature to ensure Delhi continues to operate irrespective of rains.

 

Among the major measures are the construction of alternative and new drains-such as the main diversion along Minto Road and concrete drains beneath the Zakhira flyover-in addition to underground sumps and self-acting pump houses at strategic underpasses such as Pul Prahladpur. Temporary measures in the nature of desilting and fitting tractor-mounted pumps are already underway, while carriageway elevations and interconnecting drains are suggested for preventing water stagnation.

 

Engineers are assigned to each site for round-the-clock monitoring, with strict accountability enforced. The PWD is also hiring consultants for comprehensive drain remodeling in northwest Delhi and has completed a 7.5 lakh-litre sump at Pul Prahladpur, which eliminated waterlogging there in 2024.

 

These upgrades aim to transform Delhi’s rainy season experience, promising safer, smoother commutes for millions.

 

Source: Economic Times, Millennium Post, Daily Pioneer