Gurgaon likely to see waterlogging this monsoon too

Waterlogging that brings Gurgaon to a standstill every monsoon is likely to be seen this year as well. The game plan of the district administration, and particularly Huda, is falling to pieces due to delay in land acquisition, poor inter-agency coordination and lack of funds.

In January, Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar had assured Gurgaon residents that waterlogging would not happen this year. But, projects that were identified as critical for resolving the problem are in limbo.

Due to lack of resources, the construction of an additional drain along the highway at Hero Honda Chowk — to divert rainwater — and expansion of Khandsa drain have not taken off. Likewise, the work on the proposed temporary lake in Sector 72 has not yet started.

A letter from Huda superintending engineer AK Maken to Huda chief engineer in Chandigarh reveals that all is not well as far as stormwater management in the city is concerned.

Even cleaning of drains and nullahs is being done at a tardy pace owing to paucity of funds. The letter also reveals that Huda officials have almost given up on the proposal to create check dams in upper reaches of Ghata and Aravallis due to lack of funds.

The letter also sought directions regarding the construction of an additional drain parallel to Badshahpur drain.

Demanding necessary approvals at the earliest, Maken’s letter says that work can’t be executed quickly at this stretch and warns of waterlogging at Hero Honda Chowk and beyond.

The artificial lake in Sector 72 has been in limbo because land needed for the structure has not been acquired. The officials are now trying to take this land on rent for three months during the monsoon to divert and store rainwater.

New Huda chief Yashpal Yadav said, “The work on cleaning drains is ongoing and land acquisition would be expedited to bring the projects on ground.”