New Delhi: Strengthening Delhi govt’s preparedness for monsoon, irrigation and flood control minister Parvesh Verma on Monday laid the foundation stone for the central flood control monitoring centre at LM Bund Office Complex in Shastri Nagar.Acting as the hub, it is expected to improve monitoring of Yamuna’s water levels, streamline coordination among officials and enhance govt’s ability to respond quickly during flood-related situations triggered by heavy rainfall and rising river levels.The project is estimated to cost over Rs 3.5 crore and is scheduled to be completed by this June 15, ahead of peak monsoon season.According to the department, the ground floor of the building will house the main flood control room from where the river will be tracked, field reports reviewed and emergency responses coordinated. Engineers and officials will use the facility to monitor developments across vulnerable areas in real time and coordinate with teams on the field.The first floor will include a conference and coordination hall designed to accommodate around 50 people. The space will be used for review meetings, operational briefings and coordination during critical situations.After laying its foundation stone, Verma said Delhi govt is working to strengthen institutional infrastructure so that departments are better equipped to deal with emergencies.He said that during monsoon, engineers and teams on the field work continuously to keep a tab on river levels, drainage systems and vulnerable locations across the city. The new facility will function as the nerve centre and make coordination smoother and enable quicker decision-making, he said, adding that preparedness and timely coordination are the most crucial elements of effective flood management.Officials present during the programme said the monitoring centre will improve the department’s operational capacity, providing a space to strengthen the response mechanism during flood-related emergencies.
