Tannuka Juneja
Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said that 1,500 new rainwater harvesting pits would be ready by July 15 to recharge groundwater and control road flooding during the monsoon season.
According to officials, the department has floated tenders for its construction at Aurobindo Marg road and various other locations including South West, South East, North East, North West and other districts.
“In South West Delhi, the department is planning to construct around 12 rainwater harvesting pits. In other districts, as many pits or more will be developed, and more than 1,500 new rainwater harvesting pits will be developed in total by different road owning and civic agencies,” said a senior PWD official.
“Work is going on a war footing ahead of the rainy season to save the rainwater in Delhi. With an aim to make Delhi self-sufficient for water, 1,548 new rainwater harvesting pits will be readied by July 15. Reviewed the ongoing work on these with all the nodal agencies,” Sisodia tweeted after holding a meeting with officials to review measures being taken to prevent waterlogging ahead of the rainy season.
Today, Delhi has about 927 rainwater harvesting pits that store millions of gallons of rainwater. Speaking at a meeting with officials from the departments involved last month, the deputy CM, who also holds the PWD portfolio, said the aim of completing 1,548 new wells is to increase the water supply so that Delhi is self-sufficient in water needs.
