FMDA to prepare plan to deal with waterlogging on NH-19

The Faridabad Metropolitan Development Authority (FMDA) has launched a survey to prepare an action plan to deal with waterlogging and poor drainage along National Highway-19, which passes through the city, as these affect the traffic movement at various points on the 25-km stretch.

According to sources in the district administration, the departments, including the Municipal Corporation, FMDA and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), are expected to start the work of plugging the drainage outflow that results in the problem of waterlogging on service lane of the NH-19 at regular intervals.

Officials have already identified several spots, where the problem has been persistent. These include the Sarai Metro Station, Old Faridabad crossing, Ajronda Chowk, YMCA Chowk, Goodyear (Sihi), Ballabhgarh Bus Stand, Elson Chowk, and Seekri and Jharsently villages located on the side of the highway.

The report of the survey was expected to be submitted to the authorities for an action plan within the next two to three months, said an official. Of the total spots, around eight were the most vulnerable ones, which saw severe traffic snarls at many occasions.

Local Bodies Minister Vipul Goel, who is also a local MLA, had recently directed the authorities concerned to look into the matter. Besides, a meeting of the officials of the various departments was also held earlier this month. The drains, constructed on both sides of the highway, have are either choked or not connected further to any disposal outlet, resulting in outflow of the water on the service lanes.

Lack of the stormwater and sewer drains is also a major factor contributing to the problem. “Poor drainage in the colonies and villages located along the highway has also been seen as a major contributor to the problem,” says Ajay Chaudhary, a resident of Sector 11 here. He said drains lying choked with silt and garbage led to the overflowing of the waste water.

“The problem turns acute during the monsoon season, when the water accumulates not only on the service lanes but also on the main highway, making commuters pass through 1-2 ft water,” says Ajay Bahl, a resident.

FMDA Chief Engineer Vishal Bansal said the survey of the spots, where connection of drains with disposal points was needed along the highway, was likely to be over soon.