Concrete measures taken by NDMC to tackle rising Yamuna water level and heavy rainfall challenges – Kuljeet Singh Chahal

The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has taken concrete and immediate measures to tackle the challenges arising from the rising water level of the Yamuna and continuous heavy rainfall in the capital region. Key initiatives such as emergency preparedness, de-silting of drains, strengthening of drainage systems, and the establishment of a 24x7 Control Room have been implemented to ensure timely action in any emergency situation.

Addressing a press conference today, NDMC Vice Chairman Shri Kuljeet Singh Chahal stated that NDMC is moving forward with citizen-friendly development works as its top priority. He informed that NDMC recently held a review meeting with various Heads of Departments (HODs), during which the issue of continuous rainfall in the capital and warnings issued by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) were discussed in detail. The Council has stepped up its preparedness, while also holding regular review meetings to monitor the situation closely.

Shri Chahal informed that the water level of the Yamuna continues to rise. At the ORB, the water level has been recorded at 206.03 meters. Meanwhile, 1,53,767 cusecs of water have been released from Hathni Kund Barrage, 79,820 cusecs from Wazirabad Barrage, and 91,460 cusecs from Okhla Barrage. Considering these circumstances, NDMC has intensified cleaning of drains, activated backup pumping systems, and enhanced emergency measures to ensure that citizens are not troubled by waterlogging.

He further informed that to tackle waterlogging during the monsoon season, NDMC carried out a joint inspection today with all HODs and officers. He said that NDMC has deployed a special monitoring and response team consisting of Junior Engineers (JE), Assistant Engineers (AE), and other technical officials. This team will remain operational round-the-clock (24x7) to ensure immediate response to any emergency situation.

Additionally, to prevent waterlogging and drain backflow, NDMC has constructed a modern sump of 5 lakh liter capacity at Purana Qila Road. This sump has been equipped with four high-capacity pumps—two with 50 HP capacity and two with 52 HP capacity. These pumps will enable faster and more effective drainage during heavy rainfall, thereby providing relief to residents of the surrounding areas.

De-silting of Kushak Nallah and Ring Road Nallah: NDMC’s step towards permanent solution

Shri Chahal informed that the NDMC Civil Department will place the proposal for the de-silting project of Kushak Nallah and Ring Road Nallah in the upcoming Council meeting for approval. He recalled that last year, during heavy rainfall, the overflow of Kushak Nallah near INA had caused severe waterlogging at AIIMS Roundabout, West Kidwai Nagar, Sarojini Nagar, BHS Road, and Africa Avenue underpass. To provide a permanent solution to this recurring problem, complete cleaning of drains, removal of silt and debris, and the use of robotic silt level acoustic profiling technology will be carried out at an estimated cost of Rs.13.10 crore.

Resurfacing of 79 roads in the capital using modern technology
Shri  Chahal further informed that NDMC will undertake the resurfacing of 79 roads in its jurisdiction using modern technology. This road network directly connects to nationally significant landmarks such as the Parliament House, Secretariat, Ministry of Home Affairs, Prime Minister’s Residence, Rashtrapati Bhawan, and Kartavya Path.

For this project, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between NDMC and CSIR-CRRI on September 19, 2024. Under this, CRRI conducted a field survey of 79 roads in January–February 2025 and submitted a detailed road evaluation report to NDMC. Based on this report, the total estimated project cost has been fixed at Rs.89.75 crore, which includes DSR 2023, market rates, and contingencies.

The project will use advanced technologies such as Hot Mix, Cold Mix, Cold Milling, Tack Coat Application, Bituminous Concrete (BC), Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA), and Micro-Surfacing (Type-III). Road safety and visibility will be further enhanced through road marking works using thermoplastic paint.

  CSIR-CRRI will provide technical guidance to NDMC for road maintenance and quality control over the next five years. For this purpose, the Council has prepared a division-wise action plan. In the R-I Division, work will be undertaken on 18 roads—including Atul Grove Road, Jai Singh Road, Bhagwan Das Road, Sikandra Road, Abul Fazal Road, Pandara Road, and Purana Qila Road—at an estimated cost of  Rs.  24.74 crore. The work will be allocated by October 2025 and completed by October 2026. In the R-II Division, about Rs.24.20 crore will be spent on 21 roads such as A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Road, Max Mueller Marg, Lodhi Road, Janpath, Aurobindo Marg, Lodhi Estate, Khan Market, Bharti Nagar, Gold Link Colony, and Pandara Road Colony. Similarly, in the R-IV Division, 28 roads—including Sardar Patel Marg, Dharma Marg, Rajdoot Marg, Nyaya Marg, Teen Murti Marg, Africa Avenue, and Vinay Marg—will be upgraded at a cost of  Rs.  26.20 crore, with allocation by October 2025 and completion targeted by August 2026. In the CP Division, the major roads and radial roads of Connaught Place—including Inner Circle, Middle Circle, Outer Circle, Radial Roads, Regal Compound Back Lane, and Punchkuian Road—will undergo resurfacing at a cost of  Rs.  10.65 crore.  

This project will not only improve the quality and durability of road surfaces but also reduce maintenance costs, ensuring a smoother driving experience and improved urban mobility. Shri Chahal emphasized that this project will elevate the road network of the capital region to international standards of quality and sustainability.

Smart Classrooms in NDMC and Navyug Schools

Shri Chahal also announced that IFP-based smart classrooms will be established for classes 1 to 5 in NDMC and Navyug schools. The project will include hardware installation, CCTV cameras, digital educational content, server setup, and provision of IT assistants. Teachers will be trained, and a five-year warranty will also be provided. A total of 346 classrooms in 45 schools will be upgraded into smart classrooms at an estimated cost of Rs.7.83 crore.

Shri. Chahal concluded that all these projects are aligned with the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji under Viksit Bharat @2047 and will contribute significantly towards making New Delhi a modern, eco-friendly, and citizen-centric city.

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