Gurgaon: 19 pumps to check waterlogging on Gurgaon expressway this monsoon

However, the authorities have not planned on any site where the rain run-off will be channeled

To tackle waterlogging at Hero Honda Chowk and ensure that last year’s waterlogging crisis is not repeated, authorities are placing 19 motor pumps at the junction to prevent rainwater from accumulating on the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway and derail traffic movement.

The Badshahpur drain expansion project, which is key to avoiding backflow to Hero Honda Chowk and the Gurgaon expressway during monsoon, is stuck owing to a displacement issue. (Parveen Kumar/HT FILE)

However, they are yet to formulate a plan on where the water will be channelled.

Last year, to channel out excess water from Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway, authorities had operated pumps at Hero Honda Chowk, which led to flooding of residential areas in sectors 37 and 10.

Authorities merely resorted to blame game and passing the buck.

“We are responsible for operating and maintaining the motor pumps. Since the Huda (Haryana urban development authority) has failed to provide alternative plot to residents who are likely to be displaced owing to expansion of Badshahpur drain, we are not being able to start work on the project. It is likely that rainwater will be diverted towards the residential areas where the responsibility of ensuring proper drainage lies with the Huda and MCG (Municipal Corporation of Gurugram),” a senior of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) said.

Hero Honda Chowk is a low-lying area and hence is prone to waterlogging. It is also situated beside Badshahpur drain because of which the backflow of drain water floods the junction during peak monsoon.

While authorities have formulated a plan to channel out water from motor pumps at Rajiv Chowk towards Tau Devi Lal Stadium, there is no clarity where rainwater from Hero Honda Chowk will be diverted. The Badshahpur drain is not deemed an option, as it is susceptible to overflowing during monsoon and will not be able to hold the run-off.

Read I Rain brings with it waterlogging, jams in Gurgaon

Of the 19 motor pumps, 16 are being installed by the NHAI and 3 are being installed by the Huda. The cost of another four, which are to be installed by the NHAI, will be borne by the MCG.

“As the senior most officer, I have been given charge of coordinating the effort to check waterlogging this monsoon. Apart from 3 water pumps, all the rest have been installed. NHAI’s motor pumps have been installed at Badshahpur drain and Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway, while the Huda's is being installed near GTPL pump,” V Umashankar, MCG commissioner, said.