Delhi's Drainage Crisis: The Need for Legislative Action

Delhi Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar emphasizes the urgent requirement for a legislative framework to manage the city's drainage issues. Citing a tragic incident involving UPSC aspirants, he highlights the need for a 'Storm Water and Drainage Act' to prevent encroachment and ensure proper rainwater discharge.

In the face of widespread drainage encroachment issues in Delhi, Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar has pointed out that legislative action is crucial. Referring to a tragic incident where three UPSC aspirants drowned in a flooded library basement in Old Rajinder Nagar, Kumar stressed that a comprehensive legislative framework is required to control the problem effectively.

In response to a note from Urban Development Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj, Kumar urged on Tuesday the movement of the file recommending a 'Storm Water and Drainage Act for Delhi.' This Act is proposed to include penalties for encroachment and unauthorized dumping in the city's drains.

The Chief Secretary noted that the file has been pending since August 2023. He cited an MCD report showing how the drainage system in Old Rajinder Nagar was encroached upon by the property owner, leading to severe flooding during heavy rainfall. Such encroachments are a city-wide issue, Kumar emphasized. The introduction of the new Act with penal provisions would significantly improve rainwater management in Delhi.

(With inputs from agencies.)