New Delhi: From robotic surveys of covered drains to GIS mapping of underground pipelines, CCTV monitoring at vulnerable spots and modular rainwater harvesting systems, New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has rolled out its technology-driven Monsoon Action Plan 2026 to minimise waterlogging during the rainy season.For the first time, NDMC has introduced robotic surveys of covered drains, with the pilot project launched at Q Point near Taj Palace hotel. Vice-chairman Kuljeet Chahal said the technology would help identify silt accumulation, blockages, damaged sections and water stagnation points.“Around 85% of the survey work has already been completed. Desilting is being carried out through supersucker machines at an approximate cost of Rs 3.5 crore,” he added.The civic body is also planning robotic desilting of drains at Q Point, near DTC Depot and Dyal Singh College, covering nearly 3,200 metres. A Rs 43-crore tender has been prepared and will be placed before the council for approval soon.“NDMC has also completed GIS mapping of its stormwater infrastructure, including bell mouths, connecting pipelines and manholes, to enable quicker identification of blockages and better monitoring during heavy rain,” Chahal said while unveiling the action plan.Talking about vulnerable points, Chahal said the drain bed level near Sarojini Nagar was found to be higher than the brick barrel drain, causing water accumulation. Two permanent high-capacity pumps have been installed, while two more will be put in place by June 15 to address the issue.Acting on directions of National Green Tribunal, deep desilting of Sunheri Pul Nullah near Dyal Singh College is also underway with assistance from Delhi Metro Rail Corporation. According to Chahal, nearly 70% of the work has been completed after opening the culvert drain, with the completion targeted by June 15.NDMC also claimed to have reduced the number of vulnerable waterlogging points from 14 to five — Purana Quila, Dyal Singh College area, Panchkuian Road, Hanuman Mandir and Satya Sadan. “CCTV cameras and sensor-based monitoring systems are being installed at these locations to ensure swift action during heavy rain,” officials said.Inspections of roads, bridges, rainwater harvesting pits and electrical systems are also being carried out. NDMC’s drainage network spans 578km, comprising 11,907 manholes and 14,264 gully gratings, all of which discharge into Kushak and Sunheri Pul nullahs before flowing into the Barapullah drain. As of now, 45% of phase II desilting has been completed and the work is to be over by June 15, said officials.To tackle low-belly areas, the action plan recommends regular GIS-based updating of the entire underground drainage network with statistical data for year-round monitoring and better planning during the non-rainy season.The plan estimates that around 15% of the drainage network requires mechanised desilting through supersucker machines, while nearly 30% of pipelines in low-lying areas need diversion or jetting-machine intervention. The remaining network will undergo routine desilting.Highlighting the persistent challenge of Sunheri Pul Nullah, NDMC noted that desilting of the Barapullah drain also remained critical to avoid backflow.
