In a major step toward water conservation and smart urban management, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has begun implementing an advanced automated irrigation system across parks, green belts, and roundabouts in Lutyens’ Delhi. The initiative aims to significantly reduce water wastage while ensuring efficient upkeep of green spaces.
How the Smart System Works
Under the new system, irrigation will be controlled through soil moisture sensors, weather-based data, and automated timers. Watering will take place only when required, based on real-time soil and climatic conditions, eliminating manual guesswork and excess usage.
NDMC officials said the technology will prevent irrigation during rainfall or high humidity and ensure precise water delivery to plants.
Focus on Water Conservation
According to NDMC, traditional watering methods were leading to large-scale water wastage, especially during monsoon months. With groundwater levels declining and water scarcity becoming a growing concern, the automated system is expected to save thousands of litres of water daily.
Officials said the project aligns with Delhi’s broader sustainability goals and smart city initiatives.
Areas Covered in the First Phase
The first phase covers prominent Lutyens’ Delhi locations including:
●Central verges and roundabouts
●Major parks and lawns
●Government office zones
●High-maintenance green corridors
More areas will be added in subsequent phases based on performance and water-saving results.
Reduced Costs and Better Maintenance
NDMC stated that apart from conserving water, the system will also:
●Lower electricity consumption
●Reduce dependency on manual labour
●Improve plant health through timely irrigation
Maintenance staff will monitor the system digitally and intervene only when required.
Part of Smart City Push
Civic officials said the initiative reflects NDMC’s push toward technology-driven governance, combining environmental responsibility with operational efficiency. If successful, the model may be replicated in other parts of Delhi
