NDMC has a robotic plan to save Delhi from waterlogging this rainy season

The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has launched a technology-based Monsoon Action Plan 2026 to reduce waterlogging during the rainy season. The plan includes robotic surveys of covered drains, GIS mapping of underground drainage systems, CCTV monitoring at vulnerable locations and modular rainwater harvesting systems. NDMC officials said the measures are aimed at improving monitoring, speeding up desilting work and preventing flooding in key areas of the capital.

Robotic surveys launched for covered drains

For the first time, NDMC has started robotic surveys of covered drains. The pilot project has been launched at Q Point near Taj Palace hotel.

Vice-chairman Kuljeet Chahal said the technology would help detect silt accumulation, damaged sections, blockages and points where water stagnates.


“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.

NDMC is also planning robotic desilting work at Q Point, near DTC Depot and Dyal Singh College. The project will cover around 3,200 metres of drains. Officials said a Rs 43-crore tender has been prepared and will soon be placed before the council for approval.

GIS mapping completed for drainage network

According to Chahal, NDMC has completed GIS mapping of its stormwater infrastructure, including bell mouths, connecting pipelines and manholes.

“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.

The civic body said the mapping will help officials monitor drainage systems more effectively during the monsoon season.

Pumps installed at Sarojini Nagar

NDMC identified Sarojini Nagar as one of the vulnerable points for water accumulation. Officials said the drain bed level in the area was found to be higher than the brick barrel drain, leading to waterlogging.

To address the issue, two permanent high-capacity pumps have already been installed. Two more pumps will be added by June 15.

Desilting work underway at Sunheri Pul Nullah

Deep desilting work at Sunheri Pul Nullah near Dyal Singh College is being carried out following directions from the National Green Tribunal. NDMC is carrying out the work with assistance from Delhi Metro Rail Corporation.

According to Chahal, around 70% of the work has been completed after opening the culvert drain. The project is expected to be completed by June 15.

Vulnerable waterlogging points reduced

NDMC said the number of vulnerable waterlogging locations has been reduced from 14 to five. The remaining locations include 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.

The civic body is also inspecting roads, bridges, rainwater harvesting pits and electrical systems as part of the monsoon preparedness plan. Officials said NDMC’s drainage network covers 578 kilometres and includes 11,907 manholes and 14,264 gully gratings. The drainage system discharges into Kushak and Sunheri Pul nullahs before flowing into the Barapullah drain.

NDMC said 45% of phase II desilting work has been completed so far and the remaining work is expected to finish by June 15.

The action plan also recommends regular GIS-based updates of the underground drainage network for year-round monitoring and better planning during the non-rainy season.

According to the plan, 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.

NDMC also noted that desilting of the Barapullah drain remains important to prevent backflow from Sunheri Pul Nullah during heavy rain.