Delhi Comprehensive Plan for Flood Preparedness

The Delhi government has announced a robust flood control action plan. This strategic move, detailed by Delhi’s Health Minister and Water Minister at a press briefing, aims to mitigate the impact of potential floods by ensuring comprehensive preparedness.

This plan is the establishment of a 24×7 flood control room, strategically set up by the Irrigation and Flood Control Department at the East Delhi District Magistrate’s office. This control room is pivotal for real-time monitoring and rapid response. Staffed around the clock by officials from the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), and New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), it also includes representatives from critical service providers such as BSES, Delhi Jal Board, TATA Power, and the Health Department. A significant feature of the flood control room is its capacity to monitor the water discharge from the Hathnikund Barrage, a crucial point where the Yamuna River enters Delhi from Haryana. Officials have stipulated that any discharge exceeding one lakh cusecs will trigger immediate relief and rescue operations. This includes evacuating residents from vulnerable floodplain areas and setting up relief camps to ensure their safety.

The flood control plan also involves rigorous review and maintenance of city infrastructure to prevent waterlogging. This includes continuous desilting efforts and the opening of all gates at the ITO barrage to facilitate better water flow. Additionally, pilot cuts have been introduced to manage island formations along the Yamuna River’s course within Delhi, ensuring unobstructed water movement. In a proactive measure, directives have been issued to central agencies conducting construction activities along the riverbed to remove any impediments that could exacerbate flooding. This coordinated approach underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding the city against flood-related disruptions.

During the apex body meeting, attended by representatives from various government agencies including the Revenue Department, NDMC, Delhi Cantonment Board, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Delhi Traffic Police, and Public Works Department (PWD), a thorough review of flood relief and rescue equipment was conducted. The meeting assessed the current inventory, operational status of the equipment, and discussed detailed plans for evacuation and flood control.