Rao Inderjit Singh Demands Action on Gurugram Drain Encroachments, Warns of CBI Probe
Union Minister of State and Gurugram MP Rao Inderjit Singh on Wednesday expressed regret to residents affected by recent waterlogging across Gurugram and called for the restoration of the city's natural drainage system, rainwater harvesting, and groundwater recharging to establish a permanent solution.
Speaking at a meeting with senior officials from the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority, the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram, and the district administration, Singh demanded an action-taken report regarding notices issued by the Irrigation Department to builders over encroachments on natural drains. He also sought an inquiry report into alleged corruption involving the suppression of these notices, warning that he would seek a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation if necessary.
Singh directed Urban Development Adviser and former Chief Secretary D.S. Dhesi to coordinate between the civic bodies and relevant departments to formulate a comprehensive, long-term policy on waterlogging. He also requested a detailed report on encroachments affecting nearly half a dozen ponds and natural drains across the city.
Addressing the causes behind the problem, Singh stated that natural drainage routes had been disrupted by development and construction activities, specifically highlighting licences granted between 2004 and 2012. He noted that construction materials and construction and demolition waste dumped into drains had significantly diminished their water-carrying capacity.
The MP maintained that the issue must be resolved through scientific methods, with experts evaluating interventions such as injection tubewells, local water bodies, and large underground pipelines in locations where restoring natural drainage paths is no longer viable.
Satellite imaging will be utilised to map natural drains and historical water-flow routes across Gurugram. Singh stressed that the objective is not merely to pump out rainwater, but to actively conserve it and maximise groundwater recharge.
Singh warned that encroachments on natural drains must be cleared regardless of which government was in power when they occurred. He added that if officials fail to take action, he will take up the issue with the Chief Minister and approach the court if needed.
