Delhi Authorities Implement Comprehensive Strategy To Deal With Flood, Waterlogging Ahead Of G20 Summit

A comprehensive strategy has been implemented to address the issue of waterlogging at the G20 venue and key strategic sites in preparation for the upcoming two-day event in the city next month, according to officials who shared the details on Thursday.

The strategy involves deploying a fleet of tractor-mounted high-capacity pumps with 50 horsepower to effectively remove excess water. Additionally, mechanical road sweeping (MRS) vehicles equipped with powerful water-jetting machinery will be utilized to clear mud and debris from the sides of roads. Furthermore, a specialized apparatus called the ‘super sucker’ will be employed to unclog drains and sewer lines that might become obstructed.

These machines are set to operate round-the-clock, divided into two shifts, each spanning 12 hours. Monitoring will be carried out by a sanitary inspector, an assistant, and a probationary officer from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) or Delhi, Andaman, and Nicobar Islands Civil Service (DANICS).

The responsibility for overseeing the operation of these vehicles and the personnel has been entrusted to the Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) of the respective areas, as per officials.

In a previous instance, a tunnel leading to the Ring Road at Pragati Maidan, the primary Summit location, was submerged due to heavy rainfall the previous month. In response, a water evacuation plan was devised under the supervision of the Lieutenant Governor. This plan involved the gradual collection of water in reservoirs of varying sizes — starting from 1,000 litres and progressing to 2,000 litres, culminating in reservoirs capable of holding 50,000 litres. Ultimately, the collected water was directed into the adjacent drain, leading to discharge into the Yamuna River, officials explained.

Recently, Delhi LG V K Saxena conducted visits to various waterlogging-prone sites to assess the level of preparedness. These inspections were carried out to ascertain the state of readiness for the upcoming G20 event.

During a recent review meeting pertaining to G20 preparations, the LG issued directives to devise a contingency plan to counter significant waterlogging risks around the international convention centre at Pragati Maidan (the summit venue), Rajghat, the accommodations for delegates, and other critical locations. This plan was designed to handle substantial rainfall in the city.

In the course of these inspections, the LG meticulously assessed the route from Pragati Maidan Gate No 5 on Bhairon Marg to Rajghat, specifically evaluating the flood management measures in place.

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