Gurgaon: MCG starts work early to prevent waterlogging during monsoon

To ensure that there is no repetition of last year’s drainage issues, the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) started cleaning drains at two localities as part of its monsoon preparations.

In June 2016, such was the state of the drainage system that heavy showers led to acute waterlogging on Gurgaon roads and crippled the traffic for over 48 hours. Hence, to prevent recurrence, MCG officials started its drain cleaning work two months ahead of schedule this year.

Once bitten twice shy: Gurgaon agencies take swift action

The de-silting work was carried out in Sector 40 and stretches of Old Delhi-Gurgaon road on Wednesday. MCG officials were seen at the site clearing drains manually and using sewer suction machines to unclog drains.

“There is still time for the monsoon season and, hence, cleaning of sewage network is vital to ensure drains remain unclogged and water does not accumulate on the main roads. A list of areas that were severely affected by waterlogging last year has been circulated among officials. The MCG will focus on these areas and ensure all drainages are unclogged,” V Umashankar, MCG commissioner, said.

Khattar blames Delhi government and planning failure for Gurgaon mess

Umashankar said the MCG is getting more sewer suction machines (a machine with high-pressure sewer jetting operation) for clearing choked drains.

Incidentally, the move comes a month after Umashankar directed executive engineers to choose their preferential field of work. The same was done keeping in mind that last year, the MCG had failed to execute adequate flood control measures, construct artificial water bodies and complete cleaning of drains. This had led to a waterlogging crisis.

Gurgaon, a low-lying region, receives runoff rainwater from the Aravallis and Chhatarpur in New Delhi that are situated at a higher plain.

Along with clogged drains, destruction of natural drainage basin, ponds and embankments due to urbanisation has made waterlogging a perennial issue in Gurgaon.