Seven Gurugram roads to get greenbelts for rainwater absorption

Green areas along seven arterial roads in Gurugram will be developed as rainwater absorption zones to help reduce waterlogging during heavy rains.

The Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) has started preparing some of the greenbelts, where debris has been removed and road surfaces have been lowered to create a gradient allowing rainwater to flow towards the green areas.

Under the Rs 8.5 crore project, landscaping and regular maintenance of the green areas will be undertaken. Tenders have been floated.

Once the work is allotted, the selected agencies will be responsible for maintaining the greenbelts for three years. Officials said the landscaping work is likely to be completed within six months.

The greenbelts will be upgraded along the master roads between sectors 47/49, 47/50, 43/53, 43/52A, 44/52, 45/52 and 46/51.

The project comes amid recurring waterlogging on several city roads during the monsoon and is aimed at diverting rainwater from carriageways.

Instead of allowing water to accumulate on roads or relying entirely on stormwater drains for disposal, the authority plans to use the green spaces to temporarily hold and absorb runoff.

Officials said the greenbelts will also contribute to groundwater recharge, with rainwater collected in the areas allowed to seep into the ground. This is expected to replenish groundwater while reducing the amount of water that needs to be carried through the stormwater drainage network.

“Green areas along these roads are being developed with both aesthetics and functionality in mind. The aim is to improve the green cover while also using these spaces for effective rainwater management and groundwater recharge,” GMDA CEO PC Meena said.

“The authority has been working on desilting drains and improving water drainage systems. This is further expected to provide an additional mechanism for managing surface runoff during intense rainfall, particularly by reducing the flow of water directly onto road surfaces,” the official said.