News: MCG Councillor Panel to Revive Ponds Before Monsoon-18-03-2026
The Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) has set up a committee of eight councillors to monitor the repair and rejuvenation of nearly 25-28 ponds, with the aim of improving drainage and groundwater recharge and reducing waterlogging before the monsoon.
Priority will go to ponds in low-lying, flood-prone areas. Waterlogging points will be linked to nearby ponds so that excess rainwater is diverted and stored. Around 28 of the city’s roughly 70 ponds (jhors) will be connected to master stormwater drains run by the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA). An aerial survey is complete and officials expect linkage work to finish by May 30. No fixed budget has been allocated, and agencies will fund work according to jurisdiction. Key sites include Kanhai and Fazilpur Jharsa.
Ravinder Yadav, additional commissioner, MCG, said waterlogging hotspots near the ponds have been identified and the work was finalised at a meeting with ward councillors and the mayor. Kuldeep Yadav, councillor of ward 11, said ponds would be rejuvenated ward-wise. Anoop Singh, councillor of Ward 25, said MCG has been asked to make STPs mandatory for all schools, colleges and colonies.
The effort is part of a wider plan by GMDA and other agencies to retain rainwater and ease pressure on the Najafgarh drain. Officials said the state government has sought a comprehensive conservation plan covering ponds, wetlands and rainwater harvesting.
A 2018 GMDA study done on NGT directions identified 644 water bodies over 1,142 acres in the district, owned by nearly 20 agencies. The Centre’s Jal Shakti application shows 259 water bodies in Sohna, 211 in Pataudi and 157 in Manesar. A GMDA official said water bodies will be developed on available government land wherever feasible.
