Delhi govt sets up 24/7 flood control room

The Delhi government has established a 24/7 flood control room to monitor real-time data from the Hathni Kund Barrage, where Yamuna water is released into Delhi.

This was announced by city government ministers Atishi and Saurabh Bharadwaj during a joint press conference following a meeting of the apex committee responsible for flood control measures in the National Capital Territory.

Officials from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Delhi Development Authority (DDA), and New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) will staff the flood control room.

Atishi highlighted that last year, the Yamuna reached its highest levels in 70 years, prompting the Delhi government to prepare for potential floods. The control room, in constant communication with officials at Hathni Kund Barrage, will activate relief and rescue operations after the release of one lakh cusecs of water. Bharadwaj added that the control room will be fully computerized and will monitor data in real-time.

Earlier the Delhi government issued the Flood Control Order for this year following a delay noted by Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena. After heavy rains on June 28 caused waterlogging and fatalities, Saxena criticized the delay in issuing the Flood Control Order and completing the de-silting of drains, which should have been done by June 15.

The Flood Control Order states that a Central Flood Control Room will operate until October 15 or the end of the monsoon, whichever is later. This room will handle flood warnings, submit daily reports to key officials, issue evacuation directives, and arrange relief supplies. Additionally, 16 regional flood control posts will monitor key locations along the Yamuna and various drains.

The MCD, NDMC, and DDA will also establish control rooms to address drainage congestion complaints and coordinate with the Central Flood Control Room. Each of Delhi’s 11 revenue districts will have a sector committee headed by a sector officer, with members from 13 stakeholder departments, including health and education.

These committees, overseen by cabinet ministers including Saurabh Bharadwaj, Atishi, and Gopal Rai, will prepare action plans, maintain relief materials, and monitor vulnerable areas. Last year’s challenges, such as traffic jams and coordination issues, have informed this year’s enhanced flood preparedness measures. (With inputs from PTI)