Monsoon 2 months away, coordination gaps, clogged drains deepen flood risk

Gurgaon: With the monsoon less than a month away, residents of Sector 31 fear another season of severe waterlogging and flooding due to the lack of a functional drainage system in the area.

They alleged that poor coordination among multiple agencies, clogged drains and delayed execution of approved projects continue to leave the sector vulnerable during heavy rain.Residents said the situation is particularly grim in low-lying areas and stretches along the highway, where rainwater accumulates due to blocked natural slope and inadequate stormwater drainage connectivity.“Most parts of Sector 31 either lack a proper drainage network or the existing drains are in poor condition.

Several drains are clogged with silt and debris, while some stretches have been encroached upon. Proper desilting has not been carried out for nearly five years,” said the RWA president of Sector 31, BS Yadav.Residents alleged that despite repeated complaints, civic agencies have failed to execute the approved projects aimed at reducing flooding. “Every monsoon, the same roads and houses get inundated. Plans were approved earlier to increase green belt absorption areas to reduce rainwater runoff, but the work was never executed,” said a resident, Sudhir Yadav.

Residents added that damaged drains with broken covers and clogged channels at several locations have further worsened the situation. Residents said immediate desilting and repair works are needed to prevent flooding during the upcoming monsoon.Residents also blamed overlapping jurisdiction among civic bodies for delaying solutions. “There are too many agencies involved — MCG, GMDA, NHAI and HSVP — but no one takes ownership of the problem. Meetings were held earlier and a tender was even approved for a sump and lifting system to divert excess rainwater, but the project never took off,” said the general secretary of the RWA, Arvind Chadha.Meanwhile, MCG chief engineer Vijay Dhaka could not be reached for comment.