Recent heavy rains in Delhi led to widespread waterlogging and traffic disruptions across the city. Continuous downpours overwhelmed the drainage system, causing a lot of flooding in our colony. At some places in N and S block, water seeped into basements and stilts causing damage to furniture and other household items. In some buildings, water accumulated on terraces and into the elevator shafts and down the staircases. The situation was quite dangerous and challenging. It required pumps to drain out the water. The Delhi government and municipal authorities mobilized teams to clear blocked drains and pump out excess water. The Society along with MCD acted swiftly to pump out excess water in the low lying areas of the colony. This sets us thinking on how the need to clean storm water drains regularly especially before monsoon is so crucial. The first step is to conduct a thorough survey of the drains to identify areas with significant blockages or damage. This involves inspecting the entire drainage network, noting the locations of manholes, and assessing the extent of silt and solid waste.
The MC through its “Community Welfare and Outreach Comm.” and “Colony Affairs sub-Comm.” took up the task of storm water drains cleaning which is still under process. It overviewed the entire operation. The actual cleaning begins with the removal of silt and solid waste. Suction machines are used to extract sludge and waste materials from the drains. Super Sucker machines were brought in to remove the silt and waste from the drains. At times before the collected debris and waste was picked up, we would face another downpour. Despite all challenges leading to frustration, the Committee members proactively kept the cleaning crew mobilized. They were successful in cleaning several drains in N and S Blocks. As we all know, lot of new builder flats have come up in Panchshila Park and the builders have ruthlessly covered the drains with ramps leading to blockages in the entire drainage network. The situation highlights the urgent need for building regulations to ensure storm water drains remain unobstructed. Local authorities and residents must collaborate to modify these ramps, ensuring better drainage and preventing future flooding. The residents have to volunteer in identifying such spots so that the MC can take it up with the local authority in due course. It will help us in improving water management strategies to cope with such intense rainfall in future. The collected silt and debris are picked up by another agency and transported to its designated sites. The MCD and PWD provide the technical support and equipment while the MC oversees local coordination and ensures compliance. The coordination required with these several agencies needs effort and money. Therefore, it is imperative that as residents we all pay our maintenance charges to enable the Committee members to carry out such tasks which require personal supervision and mobilization of the staff. Effective cleaning of storm water drains in the Colony not only prevents waterlogging and flooding but also contributes to the overall health and well-being of the residents. It requires coordinated efforts from municipal authorities, workers and the community. Hats off to the team who have selflessly put in their time and energy in this humongous task!!
