Bhopal: Rainwater Harvesting Under GG Flyover Soon

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The Public Works Department (PWD) will soon install a water harvesting system beneath GG flyover. The decision comes after a recent spell of rain led to severe waterlogging near DB Mall, exposing flaws in the city’s drainage infrastructure.

PWD engineers admitted there was no provision for water harvesting in the Detailed Project Report (DPR) at the time of the flyover’s construction. The recent downpour left the junction of Ambedkar Bridge (GG flyover), near DB Mall, waterlogged and caused serious inconvenience to motorists.

The end of the flyover connecting Rani Kamlapati Railway Station (RKMP) to Veer Savarkar Bridge was submerged. A similar situation occurred days earlier at the entrance of Veer Savarkar Setu.

In February, the PWD had carried out drainage improvement work on the flyover. However, officials later acknowledged the work was limited to superficial patching.

They claimed the bridge has a built-in drainage system along its pillars, but this proved inadequate. The flyover’s construction quality has also drawn criticism, as the road surface had to be re-laid soon after inauguration.

PWD engineer Javed Saqeel told Free Press, “The state government has given approval for a water harvesting system in GG Flyover. Initially, it was not part of the DPR, so it was not constructed. But now, with the government’s nod, it will be implemented.

A water harvesting system on a flyover, especially for collecting and storing rainwater, is an innovative step for water management in urban areas. The system will direct rainwater runoff into collection and storage structures, such as tanks or pits, for future use.”