The Delhi government under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta is moving forward with a massive plan to protect the city from Yamuna floods. Taking inspiration from Tokyo, the administration will implement a Japanese model to divert excess river water into underground reservoirs through a network of tunnels. This initiative follows the devastating floods of 2023 and aims to protect low-lying areas and critical infrastructure from future monsoon disasters.
How the Japanese Model and Water Diversion Will Work in Delhi?
The core of this new plan involves building a sophisticated network of tunnels and reservoirs to store floodwater safely. The Irrigation and Flood Department has already identified 15 disused mining pits in the Bhatti Mines area that can store approximately 5200 MLD of floodwater. This method not only prevents the city from drowning but also helps in recharging the groundwater and providing water for irrigation later.
In addition to the mines, the government plans to create three large off-channel reservoirs along the Yamuna floodplains. These include two 1,000-acre facilities in Palla and Mayur Vihar, and a 500-acre reservoir in Okhla. The total estimated cost for these specific reservoir projects is around Rs 90 crore. Six other locations within the Yamuna floodplain have also been identified to ensure the city stays dry even during heavy storms.
Budget Allocation and Infrastructure Upgrades for Flood Safety
The Urban Flood Mitigation Program Delhi has an estimated total budget of Rs 21,068 crore. This wide-ranging plan covers everything from drainage revitalization to advanced early warning systems. The government has already designated specific funds for major infrastructure repairs to ensure the system works smoothly during the monsoon season.
| Project Component | Allocated Budget |
|---|---|
| Wazirabad Barrage Renovation | Rs 400 Crore |
| Stormwater Drain Widening (Najafgarh, Shahdara, Barapullah) | Rs 1,418 Crore |
| IGI Airport Flood Mitigation | Rs 345 Crore |
| Yamuna River Desilting | Rs 50 Crore |
| Delhi Jal Board Allocation (2026-27) | Rs 9,000 Crore |
| Off-channel Reservoirs Construction | Rs 90 Crore |
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta recently approved this multi-crore plan in a high-level meeting. While the focus remains on long-term engineering solutions, the government is also cleaning up existing systems. Work is ongoing at Bhatti Mines and other floodplain areas to ensure they are ready before the next heavy rains. The administration has assured the public that these measures will prevent a repeat of the 2023 flood situation.
