Delhi Clears Futuristic Storm Water Drainage Master Plan

• First major drainage upgrade in nearly 50 years.
• Advanced tools like ArcGIS and SWMM used to map the entire drainage network.
• Plan anticipates an 11% rise in rainfall intensity due to climate change.
• Focus on lakes, wetlands, green parks, and rainwater harvesting for natural water management.

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 13th Sept: Delhi is set for a sweeping revamp of its drainage network after the city government approved a Storm Water Drainage Master Plan designed to combat chronic waterlogging, rapid urbanisation and the challenges of climate change.

Prepared by the Public Works Department (PWD), this is the first major overhaul since the 1976 drainage plan. Over the past five decades, Delhi’s landscape has transformed, with more built-up areas and shrinking natural soak zones, leading to repeated monsoon flooding and drain overflows.

Officials said the master plan employs advanced mapping tools—ArcGIS, SewerGEMS and SWMM—to integrate the city’s drains, lakes, wetlands and green spaces into a single system. It also factors in an 11% projected rise in rainfall intensity to prepare for future climate events.

Key features include:

• Rejuvenation of lakes, wetlands and green parks for storm-water absorption, biodiversity support and groundwater recharge.
• Rainwater harvesting to improve water retention and city aesthetics.
• IoT-based real-time monitoring of drains for quick action during peak rains.
• Specialised operations and maintenance teams for rapid response.

Execution will be phased, focusing first on flood-prone zones to reduce monsoon disruptions, improve public health, ease traffic, and limit economic losses.

To ensure smooth rollout, an Inter-Departmental Coordination Committee will bring together the PWD, Delhi Jal Board, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Delhi Development Authority, National Disaster Management Authority, and Resident Welfare Associations. Public awareness drives will encourage citizens to participate, a step officials call vital for long-term success.