Gurugram MP Rao Inderjit calls for restoring natural stormwater path

As Gurugram faced one of its worst spells of waterlogging this monsoon, district MP and Union Minister Rao Inderjit Singh has called for restoring the city’s natural drainage system, much of which has been lost to urbanisation. He has scheduled a marathon meeting with the GMDA and MCG on September 18 to draw up solutions.

According to Singh, while multiple factors contribute to waterlogging, the biggest issue is the loss of stormwater drains and encroached water paths. “Band-aid solutions are being implemented, but Gurugram needs to address this core issue first,” he said.

Explaining the city’s topography, he said: “Gurugram is naturally prone to floods due to runoff water from the Aravallis. The city once had an elaborate natural drainage network that included stormwater drains and bandhs (check dams). This British-era system served well till the 1990s. Sadly, most drains have since been encroached upon by high-rises and townships. We cannot undo these, but we must work out solutions around them. The best way to save drowning Gurugram is restoring the natural stormwater path. We are working with civic agencies like GMDA to use the best technology and prepare a new alternate drainage plan.”

A 2022 state government survey found that Gurugram had lost nearly 75% of its natural stormwater drains to the real estate boom triggered by the last master plan. Rao said he would also be reviewing the upkeep of the Najafgarh drain along with key waterlogging-prone points in the city.

The minister will additionally review progress on the metro expansion, RRTS, the shifting of Kherki Daula toll plaza, connectivity projects like Hero Honda Chowk-Umang Bhardwaj Chowk and post-monsoon road repairs.

On sanitation, Singh admitted the city continues to face challenges. “A lot has been streamlined, but sanitation remains a challenge in Gurugram. We are working on a resolution in the next six months, with councillors involved in highlighting area-specific problems to ensure practical solutions,” he added.