Delhi Needs ₹57,000 Crore Over 5 Years to Fix Drainage System
Delhi’s stormwater drainage system is in dire need of an overhaul, and the government has estimated a cost of ₹57,300 crore over the next five years to tackle the issue. This was revealed in the new master plans prepared for three key drainage basins—Najafgarh, Barapullah, and Trans-Yamuna. The plan aims to address the city’s long-standing problem of waterlogging, especially during the monsoon.
According to officials, most of Delhi’s drains are either choked or poorly maintained, causing frequent urban flooding. The proposed upgrade includes widening and deepening of existing drains, building new stormwater pipelines, and modernizing the pumping infrastructure.
Experts say that with rapid urbanization and climate change leading to more intense rainfall events, an efficient drainage system is critical for the capital. Implementation, however, remains a challenge due to land acquisition issues and the involvement of multiple civic agencies.
The government plans to execute the revamp in phases and is seeking funding from both central and state sources. If completed as planned, the project could significantly improve the city’s resilience to extreme weather and offer long-term solutions to flooding and public health hazards.
