“All drainage system blocked and even rain harvesting pits need desilting and cleaning… every year it is the same old story. Moreover all the drains in front of the houses are blocked, people have made ramps. Residents and the govt. agencies both are culprits and at fault whereas proper drainage system is concerned.
Apart from the well-recognised causes of waterlogging in colonies, such as lack of regular maintenance of stormwater drains, clogging, etc., I have noticed two other things. One is the lining of the stormwater with bricks and even cement. Without this, at least some of the water would be naturally absorbed by the ground. Now, it simply flows along until it meets a blockage and spills onto the road. Someone pointed out the difference this makes about 30 years ago when the Defence Colony roads and the open stormwater drains in front of houses began to have stagnant water after their brick lining. Similarly, earlier, most houses had at least some portions of open ground like lawns, flower beds even along the drive, or strips of grass along the boundary wall, driveway, etc. This has been replaced by 100% coverage of the entire plot by a raised plinth, which also results in the displacement of the entire water falling on the plot, spilling onto the road and paved stormwater drain. Though SDA is fortunate to have some open parks that help, civil engineering experts may devise better stormwater drains by lining them with absorbent/ latticed materials or at least leaving the bottom of the drain unpaved.
More it depends upon us also as people don’t stop throwing garbage on the roads when it rains, the garbage gets collected in front of the drains and the clogging starts!!! Sadly in our country, basic civil sense does not prevail!!!
We seem to be fortunate relatively speaking. With almost 200 mm rain overnight, I don’t think any roads would have been spared. Efficacy of any drainage system is how quickly the water drains off. Hope Administration now huddled in meetings take some practical and quick solutions. I believe lots of representations have been made to both central and Delhi govt.
One can only expect more such incidences as well as natural disasters like earthquakes, floods , fire etc in future. By the time govt agencies respond, a lot of damage to human life and property will be done. So many basements flooded and no help to pump out water. Very sad. Timely help makes a lot of difference. Wonder if one can think of hiring a team of 1st respondants equipped to handle such situations till civic agencies respond. Needless to say that in this all RWA’s and all households equally contribute. Modalities and expectations can be worked out. Just a loud though.
