Gurugram, a bustling city located in the northern state of Haryana, India, is no stranger to waterlogging and flooding during the monsoon season. However, the city is taking proactive steps to mitigate the impact of these natural disasters. They are setting up a dedicated flood control office with movable and permanent pumps.
The tender was floated by the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) in response to the increasing frequency of flooding incidents in the city. The new office will be responsible for monitoring and managing flood control activities in the city, including the deployment of movable and permanent pumps to prevent water logging.
One of the major reasons for waterlogging and flooding in Gurugram is the inadequate drainage system in the city. The existing drainage infrastructure is not able to handle the heavy rainfall that is received during the monsoon season, resulting in water logging in several low-lying areas.
New flood control offices
To address this issue, the new flood control office will be set up in Sector 44 that would operate from July – September. They will undertake a comprehensive review of the drainage system in the city and identify areas that require urgent attention. It will also develop and implement strategies to improve the drainage infrastructure. This would include the construction of new drains and the repair of existing ones. Furthermore, operating in other areas that are vulnerable to flooding, such as areas near rivers and other water bodies. It will conduct regular inspections of these areas to ensure that they are free from any obstructions that could lead to flooding.
Just like the previous years, GMDA again plans to conduct mock drills at the 14 underpasses in Gurugram to prevent flooding during heavy rains. According to Vikram Singh, Executive Engineer at GMDA; they have initiated the tender process for the establishment of the flood control office with an estimated cost of Rs 1.15 Crore, aimed at addressing concerns related to waterlogging and flooding. Bids are being solicited, and the tender process is scheduled to commence on May 18.
GMDA are currently engaged in the cleaning and desilting of around 13 km of master stormwater drains and surface drains. This is being done in order to prevent the accumulation of silt and debris that may obstruct the free flow of stormwater. Hence, leading to water logging on roads.
The new office will also be equipped with movable and permanent pumps that can be deployed in areas that are prone to waterlogging. These pumps can help to drain water from low-lying areas and prevent flooding. The movable pumps can be easily transported to different locations as needed. And, the permanent pumps will be installed in strategic locations to provide continuous support.
Conclusion
The establishment of a dedicated flood control office equipped with movable and permanent pumps in Gurugram is a crucial step towards improving the city's infrastructure for the monsoon season. Furthermore, addressing the traffic congestion that often accompanies flooding events. By implementing proactive measures to mitigate the impact of flooding and water logging, the city can prioritize the safety and well-being of its residents. Simultaneously, they can minimize the damage to infrastructure and the economy caused by these issues.
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