Delhi PWD Deploys Senior Officers to Inspect 139 Waterlogging Hotspots
Delhi PWD has deployed senior officers to inspect 139 waterlogging hotspots identified by traffic police, with a report due by August 31.
In the wake of severe waterlogging that disrupted large parts of Delhi after recent heavy rains, the Public Works Department (PWD) has initiated a comprehensive ground-level inspection of 139 vulnerable locations across the capital.
The Delhi Traffic Police had identified 113 waterlogging-prone spots during rainfall up to August 20, with an additional 26 locations flagged after the downpour on August 24. Areas such as Sangam Vihar, the Old Delhi market, Zakhira, ITO, and Mathura Road had witnessed significant flooding, with commuters wading through waist-deep water and traffic crawling on key roads.
Senior officials, including the Principal Secretary, Special Secretary, Engineer-in-Chief, Chief Engineers, and Superintending Engineers, have been assigned specific stretches for inspection. The locations under scrutiny include Mehrauli-Badarpur Road, MG Road, Mahipalpur Bypass Road, Jahangirpuri Metro Station, Model Town, and the Prembari Underpass, among others.
During these inspections, officials are examining drainage arrangements, outfall points, silt accumulation, blockages, pumping systems, and encroachments that could contribute to water accumulation. They have been tasked with identifying both immediate corrective measures and long-term solutions for recurring problem areas.
The exercise follows a review of the city's waterlogging situation chaired by Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu on August 25. The PWD has directed its Chief Engineers and Superintending Engineers to submit location-wise findings and recommendations to the Principal Secretary by August 31.
PWD Minister Parvesh Verma emphasized the department's proactive approach, stating that senior officers have inspected every identified location to understand the reasons behind the waterlogging and assess immediate corrective measures. "We will not wait for the next spell of rain to expose the same problem again," he said, adding that accountability, quick response, and continuous monitoring remain priorities.
To ensure responsibility is fixed in case of any laxity, the PWD has also issued jackets and raincoats bearing its logo to pump-house operators, PTO pump operators, and field engineers. With the monsoon season still underway, officers have been instructed to continue monitoring the identified locations and follow up on any issues found during the inspections.