Delhi Public Works Department and Water Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh on Friday, 17 July conducted an on-site inspection of the Chhatarpur area, specifically the waterlogging-hit Dera Mandi Road near Mandi Village, and announced both immediate relief measures and a permanent drainage solution for the chronically affected stretch.

What the Minister Found on the Ground

Senior officials accompanied Singh as he reviewed the condition of the road surface, the drainage network, and the sewer system following heavy accumulation of rainwater on Dera Mandi Road. The affected stretch falls under the jurisdiction of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).

Officials briefed the Minister that the location sits at a natural low-lying point where stormwater collects during heavy showers. Historically, this accumulated water drained through a natural channel towards Haryana — an outlet that is no longer functional, leaving rainwater trapped and causing recurring waterlogging with every significant rainfall event.

Immediate Relief Deployed

As a stopgap measure, PTO pumps have been deployed at the site and are operating continuously to drain accumulated water from the affected stretch, according to an official statement. The Delhi government said it is coordinating with all concerned agencies, including the MCD, to ensure public convenience is not disrupted further.

Permanent Infrastructure: The RCC Drain Plan

Following the detailed site review, it was decided that the PWD will construct a new precast RCC drain running from Dera Mandi Road to Dera Bhati Road, which will then connect to Bandh Road. From there, water will be pumped into the SSN Marg drain within Delhi, effectively creating an alternative discharge route to replace the lost natural channel.

The project is designed to provide a permanent drainage solution and significantly improve stormwater management across this vulnerable corridor. No timeline or cost estimate for the project was announced during the inspection.

The Urbanisation Factor

Explaining the root cause, Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh pointed to rapid urban expansion on both sides of the Delhi-Haryana border. “Mandi Gaon and Dera Gaon lie along the Delhi-Haryana border. Years ago, before large-scale urban development and before Gurugram expanded the way it has today, rainwater used to flow naturally through existing drainage channels,” he said.

“Today, with extensive concrete construction, rapid urbanisation and a significant increase in population, those natural pathways have disappeared. As a result, rainwater and even sewer water accumulate here during heavy rainfall,” he added. The observation reflects a pattern seen across several low-lying Delhi neighbourhoods, where legacy drainage infrastructure has been overwhelmed by decades of unplanned growth along the city’s periphery.

Government’s Stated Commitment

Singh said the Delhi government’s objective goes beyond reactive pumping after every rain spell. “Our objective is not merely to remove water after every spell of rain but to create infrastructure that prevents waterlogging in the first place. Every vulnerable location is being assessed, and long-term solutions are being implemented on priority,” he said.

The government said it remains committed to addressing legacy infrastructure challenges through “scientific planning and durable engineering solutions.” With the monsoon season well underway, the pace of execution on the proposed RCC drain will determine whether residents of Mandi Village and surrounding areas see relief before the next major rainfall event.