Agencies directed to install water pumps, clean drains

City authorities have been directed to make all the necessary arrangements for flood management and the outflow of storm water from all the critical areas in the city before the onset of monsoon.

The directions came in the wake of the frequent incidents of waterlogging in Gurugram, especially at the Hero Honda Chowk and adjoining areas, which lead to traffic jams across the city.

Keshni Anand Arora, additional chief secretary, revenue and disaster management departments, Haryana, issued these directions while presiding over a review meeting for the monsoon season.

Arora inspected the Hero Honda Chowk and directed the officials of the Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) to complete construction of Badshahpur drain. “It must be ensured that all measures are taken to prevent waterlogging at the Hero Honda Chowk and other critical areas”, she said.

Arora told officials that steps taken for monsoon relief should be monitored daily, and work should be coordinated by the flood control room.

During the meeting, V Umashankar, CEO, Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority(GMDA) informed that the duties of officials have been fixed to manage the situation during the rainy season.

Yashpal Yadav, commissioner, Municipal Corporation of Gurugram, said that drains, and minor nullahs in the city have been cleared to ensure that waterlogging doesn’t place.

National Highway Authorities of India officials meanwhile said that they have installed 40 pumps at the Hero Honda Chowk and the stretches that are prone to waterlogging. “24 pumps have been installed by the contractor at Signature Tower underpass, Rajiv Chowk underpass and the IFFCO Chowk. Pumps along the highway have also been installed. All efforts are being made to prevent waterlogging”, said Ashok Sharma, director, NHAI.

Sharma also said a meeting of NHAI and consortium of banks has been fixed on June 22 to discuss the notice serviced to MCEPL for improving the conditions and infrastructure on the expressway and at the toll plaza in Gurugram,”