High-capacity pump station at Metcalfe House regulator to end recurring waterlogging in Civil Lines during monsoons: Verma

The Delhi government has chalked out a permanent solution to the major recurring water-logging problem in North Delhi’s Civil Lines area near Metcalfe House, and on Thursday inaugurated a modern permanent pump house at the Metcalfe House Drain regulator.

Delhi’s PWD and Irrigation & Flood Control Minister Parvesh Verma inaugurated the facility, which marks a significant step towards strengthening flood and water-logging management infrastructure.

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Notably, the Metcalfe House drain regulator is a key flood-control and stormwater management structure located near the historic Metcalfe House along the Yamuna River.

It is managed by the Irrigation & Flood Control (I&FC) Department and is crucial in preventing the river’s backflow during monsoon floods. It also helps drain out water from the Civil Lines area.

Speaking on the occasion, Verma said that for years, residents and commuters in the Civil Lines area faced the consequences of water accumulation whenever rising Yamuna levels forced the closure of the Metcalfe House Regulator.

With the regulator closed, stormwater from the surrounding area could not be discharged normally, resulting in water backing up into residential areas, roads and lanes.

He further said, “We have eliminated another major traffic and waterlogging problem in Delhi. Whenever the Yamuna water level rose and the Metcalfe House Regulator had to be closed, stormwater from the Civil Lines area used to backflow and accumulate on roads, lanes and even affect homes. Every year, temporary pumps had to be deployed. That temporary arrangement has now been replaced with a permanent solution.”

The new permanent pump house will ensure faster and more efficient drainage of stormwater during periods when the regulator remains closed due to rising Yamuna levels.

The modern pump house has been equipped with three 75 HP submersible pumps and one 35 HP submersible pump, providing a combined pumping capacity of approximately 2,500 kilolitres per hour.

To ensure uninterrupted operations during power failures, a 250 KVA DG set has also been installed at the site.

In addition, an energy-efficient soft starter panel has been installed to ensure the smooth, safe and energy-efficient operation of the pumping system.

Verma said that the Delhi government is moving away from temporary, reactive measures and building permanent infrastructure to address the city’s long-standing water-logging and flood-related challenges.

He assured that the department is identifying vulnerable locations, strengthening drainage infrastructure and creating long-term solutions to protect residents during heavy rainfall and rising Yamuna levels.