The Municipal Corporation Gurugram (MCG) is moving ahead with a plan to strengthen rainwater management across the city. As part of this effort, IIT-Gandhinagar has identified 273 locations where rainwater harvesting systems can be set up. The civic body is also preparing to improve drainage in low-lying areas that are prone to waterlogging.
How IIT-Gandhinagar identified rainwater harvesting sites in Gurugram
The identification of these 273 sites was not a random exercise. MCG Commissioner Pradeep Dahiya said technology was used extensively to find waterlogging hotspots and drainage deficiencies across the city.
According to the original story, a drone survey was conducted, an elevation model of low-lying areas was prepared, and stormwater drains were mapped using geographic information system (GIS) technology. This combination of tools helped experts pinpoint exactly where rainwater harvesting systems would work best.
Why Gurugram needs better rainwater management and drainage
The exercise followed an aquifer-mapping study conducted in 2012 that assessed how rainwater flows and accumulates in Gurugram. After that study, the MCG engaged IIT-Gandhinagar to examine the city's drainage pattern and identify areas that are vulnerable to water accumulation.
The move comes as Gurugram has faced repeated waterlogging issues during monsoon seasons. By identifying specific sites for rainwater harvesting, the city aims to tackle two problems at once — reducing waterlogging in low-lying areas and improving groundwater recharge.
What MCG plans to do next for rainwater harvesting
With the 273 sites now identified, the MCG is preparing to improve drainage in low-lying areas. The focus is on areas that have shown clear deficiencies in handling stormwater.
The combination of rainwater harvesting systems and better drainage infrastructure is expected to give Gurugram a more resilient water management network. The use of drone surveys and GIS mapping means the civic body now has a clear, data-backed picture of where the problems are and what needs to be fixed.
Our Take: Data-driven approach is the right step for Gurugram
In our view, this is exactly the kind of planning Gurugram needs. For years, the city has struggled with waterlogging every monsoon, and the usual response has been reactive — pumping out water after the damage is done.
What makes this initiative different is that it is preventive. Using drone surveys, elevation models, and GIS mapping to identify 273 specific sites shows that the MCG is finally treating water management as a science, not guesswork. The fact that IIT-Gandhinagar was brought in adds credibility to the process.
That said, identifying sites is only the first step. The real test will be in execution — whether these rainwater harvesting systems are actually built, maintained, and kept free of debris. Many cities have drawn up impressive plans on paper, only to see them fail because of poor upkeep. Gurugram must ensure that the 273 sites do not become another list of good intentions.
For residents, this is a positive sign. If the plan is implemented properly, it could mean fewer waterlogged streets and better groundwater levels in the long run. But the MCG needs to move fast and stay transparent about progress, so the public can hold it accountable.