Waterlogging preparation: Workers to be present at 35 key spots

Gurugram: The Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) has appointed workers who will be present at all 35 ‘critical’ spots in the city during the monsoon to prevent waterlogging.
According to GMDA officials, they have received many complaints over the past few years over waterlogging at several areas in the city. It is almost impossible, however, for workers to reach the spot after it is inundated, so this year, the metropolitan authority decided that workers will be present on the spots well in advance based on the weather forecast. “They will start pumping out the water immediately in case of a heavy shower,” said Pradeep Kumar, chief engineer, GMDA.
At least 30 workers have been employed for this purpose. GMDA has also appointed 16 more workers for cleaning of debris, leaves and garbage that flow with rainwater onto roads and drains, choking them.
Kumar added that machinery to remove excess water, including pumps and motors, have also been already set up at the 35 ‘critical’ points prone to waterlogging.
GMDA had earlier identified and surveyed 50 ‘critical’ points in the city along with officials from the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG), Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) and National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). However, after a couple of meetings and reviews, 35 points were identified as the areas needing special attention.
“Earlier this week, GMDA chief VS Kundu visited these spots to check the arrangements and he has directed the departments concerned to plug the gaps wherever required,” said Kumar. He added that a flood control room has also been set up especially for monsoon-related issues and queries.
TOI had earlier reported that GMDA, along with other government departments, had surveyed critical points and begun cleaning and desilting of drains and installing pumps in all underpasses in the city.