Delhi needs storm water drainage plan, say experts

New Delhi: Delhi needs storm water drainage planning and a paradigm shift in storm water engineering, urban planning experts said as parts of the city faced yet another day of waterlogging and traffic snarls after a downpour.

Water flows on the roads even from the rooftops of homes as there is no proper outlet to the drainage system, said architect and urban planner Suptendu P Biswas. "Delhi needs a storm water drainage plan. At a micro level, RWAs (resident welfare associations) need to get involved so that water drainage is planned in such a manner that rainwater flows towards the community park. This can help in curbing waterlogging at the colony-level." At the macro level, he said, there is an overemphasis across cities on concretisation of storm water drains.

"There needs to be a paradigm shift in storm water drain engineering. Do not let the storm water drain out as quickly as possible, but allow it to flow slowly and get soaked in the ground in the process. The routine construction of RCC (reinforced cement concrete) storm water drains in cities, therefore, must be put under serious scrutiny," Biswas said.