Pragati Maidan’s Waterlogged Tunnel Creates Worry Amongst Officials Ahead of G-20: Here’s Where the Problem Lies

Pragati Maidan’s Waterlogged Tunnel Creates Worry Amongst Officials Ahead of G-20: Here’s Where the Problem Lies

The conference facility in Pragati Maidan, where the event will be hosted, is directly accessible from the tunnel.

New Delhi grapples with an unexpected hurdle as the world prepares for the upcoming G-20 summit. The waterlogged tunnel at Pragati Maidan, a prominent exhibition and convention complex, has become a cause for concern among officials.

This unfortunate development poses a significant challenge to the seamless organization of the event and demands immediate attention.

Pragati Maidan, located in the heart of New Delhi, is an iconic venue known for hosting international exhibitions, trade fairs, and conferences. Spread across a sprawling area, it has hosted numerous prestigious events. With its state-of-the-art facilities and strategic location, Pragati Maidan has been a preferred choice for hosting significant gatherings of global importance.

The 1.2-kilometre Pragati Maidan tunnel has caused officials to express their alarm. The tunnel is blocked and overflowing with rainwater due to the monsoon’s heavy rains that battered the national capital. The water level in the tunnel is relatively high, making it challenging for anyone to travel through it. According to an IE report, PWD officials stated that the tunnel was stopped for almost an hour before reopening around 3 pm. To avoid any accident, the choice was taken.

The infrastructural issues with the tunnel have already caught the attention of officials. The tunnel attracted criticism when it was first made available to the public in June last year because of problems including seepage and water leaking. The G-20 conference is quickly approaching. Therefore, the authorities are more worried now. Restoring the tunnel has also become their priority, as the G-20 is only two months away.

The conference facility in Pragati Maidan, where the event will occur, is directly accessible from the tunnel. According to the PWD official, the tunnel becomes flooded even after only 10 to 15 minutes of rain.

The waterlogged tunnel at Pragati Maidan has raised alarm bells for officials organizing the upcoming G-20 summit. The tunnel serves as a vital passage connecting different exhibition halls and convention centres within the complex. However, due to poor drainage infrastructure and various other factors, it has become prone to frequent waterlogging.

Causes of Waterlogging

1. Inadequate Drainage System: The primary cause of the waterlogging problem is the need for a robust drainage system in the tunnel. The existing drainage infrastructure must improve in handling heavy rainfall or water accumulation during the monsoon season.
2. Geographical Factors: New Delhi’s topography exacerbates the waterlogging issue. The city’s low-lying areas, including Pragati Maidan, are more susceptible to flooding due to their natural inclination to collect water.
3. Urbanization and Construction: Rapid urbanization and the construction of new buildings around Pragati Maidan have disrupted the natural water flow, accumulating rainwater within the tunnel.

The waterlogging problem at Pragati Maidan presents several challenges and potential implications, including:

1. Disruption of Event Activities: The waterlogged tunnel poses a significant risk to the smooth functioning of the G-20 summit. It could hamper movement between exhibition halls and inconvenience delegates, exhibitors, and attendees.
2. Safety Hazards: Water accumulation increases the risk of accidents, including slips and falls, which can result in injuries. The safety and well-being of participants are of utmost importance, making it imperative to address the issue promptly.
3. Damage to Infrastructure: Continuous waterlogging can cause structural damage to the tunnel and its surroundings. If water remains for an extended period of time, it can cause damage to the foundation which can have long-lasting effects if not addressed promptly.

To mitigate the waterlogging problem at Pragati Maidan, officials need to explore the following solutions:

1. Improved Drainage System: Installing an efficient and modern drainage system capable of handling heavy rainfall is crucial. Adequate stormwater drains, sump pumps, and maintenance procedures should be implemented to ensure the smooth flow of water away from the tunnel.
2. Redesigning Landscaping: Strategic redesigning of the complex’s landscaping can help divert rainwater away from the tunnel. Techniques like creating water-absorbing green spaces or constructing artificial water channels can significantly manage water flow.
3. Regular Maintenance and Cleaning: Routine inspection and cleaning of the tunnel’s drainage system can prevent blockages caused by debris, silt, or leaves. Periodic maintenance will ensure the smooth functioning of the drainage infrastructure.
4. Collaborative Efforts: Collaboration between government authorities, event organizers, and environmental experts is vital. A collective approach can ensure that comprehensive plans are implemented to address the waterlogging issue effectively.

The connection between the tunnel and the conference centre’s basement was described to IE by the official. They, therefore, pump out and release the water into the main tunnel when it accumulates in the basement. However, there is now a mechanism to drain the water from the main tunnel.

The insider continued by saying that engineers and officials from the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) had already been aware of the problem.

The waterlogged tunnel at Pragati Maidan presents a pressing challenge for officials ahead of the G-20 summit. It demands urgent attention to avoid disruptions and safety hazards during the event. The waterlogging problem can be successfully addressed by implementing an improved drainage system, strategic landscaping, regular maintenance, and collaborative efforts, and the waterlogging issue can be successfully managed. All stakeholders must work together to ensure the smooth functioning of Pragati Maidan, enabling it to continue hosting prestigious events and contributing to the city’s global standing.