Eye on better drainage, MCG steps up pre-monsoon efforts
A city-wide drive is underway to inspect and revive 404 rainwater harvesting systems located in parks, community centres, markets and other public spaces. These systems, maintained by the horticulture wing of the municipal corporation are being cleaned and repaired to ensure optimal water collection during heavy rainfall
Gurugram: The Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) has intensified efforts to ensure swift drainage of water and rainwater conservation across the city, ahead of the monsoon season. Adhering to directives issued by MCG commissioner Pradeep Dahiya, civic teams have launched a campaign to clean and restore rainwater harvesting systems and repair the city’s drainage and sewerage infrastructure, officials said.
MCG’s engineering teams are actively engaged in desilting and repairing sewer lines and drainage channels across several Gurugram zones. (HT PHOTO)
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According to MCG officials, a city-wide drive is underway to inspect and revive 404 rainwater harvesting systems located in parks, community centres, markets and other public spaces. These systems, maintained by the horticulture wing of the municipal corporation are being cleaned and repaired to ensure optimal water collection during heavy rainfall.
The MCG chief said that the functioning of these systems is essential to prevent urban flooding and to make efficient use of natural water resources in the region.
Meanwhile, MCG’s engineering teams are also actively engaged in desilting and repairing sewer lines and drainage channels across several city zones. Special attention is being given to fixing damaged drainage slabs and manhole covers to ensure uninterrupted flow of rainwater. The commissioner stressed that any obstruction in the sewerage network must be eliminated well in advance to avoid monsoon-related disruptions.
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“All zonal joint commissioners have been instructed to identify and inspect waterlogging-prone areas within their jurisdictions,” said Dahiya. “Prompt action must be taken to resolve issues before the rains begin.” Field teams are also conducting real-time monitoring to ensure there are no delays or lapses in ongoing repair and cleaning work.
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“All zonal joint commissioners have been instructed to identify and inspect waterlogging-prone areas within their jurisdictions,” said Dahiya. “Prompt action must be taken to resolve issues before the rains begin.” Field teams are also conducting real-time monitoring to ensure there are no delays or lapses in ongoing repair and cleaning work.
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The coordinated effort is expected to significantly improve Gurugram’s capacity to handle challenges during the rainy season, while also enhancing the city’s water conservation framework. “Restoring rainwater harvesting systems is not just about infrastructure — it’s about long-term environmental responsibility,” said Dahiya. “These steps will help recharge groundwater and reduce dependency on external water sources,” he said.
MCG teams are also closely monitoring low-lying zones and areas with a history of chronic waterlogging. The municipal body is confident that with rigorous pre-monsoon action and cross-departmental coordination, Gurugram will be better equipped to manage the seasonal rains this year without widespread flooding or breakdown of infrastructure.
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By ensuring functional drainage systems and reviving rainwater harvesting structures, the municipal corporation hopes to convert the monsoon season from a threat to an opportunity for sustainable water management and urban resilience.
Leena Dhankhar is Senior Editor and Bureau Chief, Gurugram, at Hindustan Times, where she has spent over 17 years chronicling the transformation of one of India's fastest-growing urban regions. From starting her career as a crime reporter to leading the Gurugram bureau, her journalism has been defined by investigative reporting, in-depth storytelling and an unwavering focus on public interest.
Over nearly two decades, she has reported extensively across crime, politics, civic governance, elections, real estate, environment, courts, sports, education and entertainment, covering Gurugram, Faridabad, Nuh and Palwal. Her reporting has exposed several major scams and systemic failures, including insurance frauds, waste management irregularities, illegal arms manufacturing units in Nuh, illegal mining in the Aravallis, organised crime networks and governance lapses affecting millions of residents.
Known for her investigative work and exclusive stories, Leena has reported on high-impact national issues, including the Nicaragua charter flight carrying Indian migrants that was turned back amid allegations of human trafficking, exposing the growing network of illegal immigration rackets. Her work has also focused on gang wars, prison administration, juvenile crime, women and child protection systems, the functioning of the Juvenile Justice Board and Child Welfare Committee, and environmental challenges such as pollution, waterlogging and deteriorating civic infrastructure.
Beyond hard news, Leena has extensively documented Haryana's rich heritage, forests and wildlife, bringing attention to the state's historical landmarks, biodiversity, conservation efforts and ecological challenges through immersive reportage and feature writing.
Her journalism has consistently gone beyond breaking news. She has documented Gurugram's rapid urbanisation through long-form narratives and enterprise reporting on issues ranging from pothole-ridden roads, flooding and waste management to the changing social fabric of India's Millennium City. She also writes widely read feature columns, including The Outsider, Changemaker, and Concern for Gurugram, profiling people, places and ideas shaping the city's identity.
Leena is the author of Gurugram School Murder, published by Juggernaut Books, a deeply reported account of one of India's most high-profile school murder investigations. She is currently working on her second book, an investigative work exploring some of India's most significant scams and fraud investigations.
Beyond print journalism, she has expanded her storytelling through public speaking and digital media. She is a TEDx speaker and has produced podcasts exploring Gurugram's transformation, civic challenges and untold stories. Her work reflects a commitment to narrative journalism that combines rigorous reporting with compelling storytelling.
A law graduate with an MBA in Human Resources, Leena brings a multidisciplinary perspective to her reporting, particularly on governance, public policy and legal affairs. She has travelled extensively across India to pursue investigative assignments, often reporting from remote locations and conflict-prone areas in search of stories that matter.
