Residents of Sharma Colony in outer Delhi have finally breathed a sigh of relief after weeks of severe waterlogging, but the worry has quickly shifted next door. In nearby Agar Enclave, fear is mounting as stagnant water in an adjoining open ground threatens to spill into residential lanes, potentially triggering another flooding crisis.
Relief for One Colony, Anxiety for Another
After repeated complaints and prolonged hardship, drainage conditions in Sharma Colony have improved. However, residents of Agar Enclave—located just a short distance away—say the danger is far from over. Authorities are currently dumping landfill waste (inert soil and debris) into a waterlogged open field to level the land, but locals warn this could block natural drainage paths and force dirty water toward their homes.
Although water has not yet entered the main residential area, the sight of a large, water-filled ground has heightened anxiety among families who fear a repeat of Sharma Colony’s ordeal.
Why Residents Are Worried
Agar Enclave houses nearly 1,500 homes with an estimated population of over 10,000 people. Most household wastewater from the colony naturally flows into the same open ground now being filled with landfill material. Residents argue that if the area is leveled without first draining the accumulated water, the entire drainage system could collapse.
The concern is especially acute in the lower-lying parts of the enclave, where more than 300 houses have ground floors situated 1 to 2.5 feet below street level. Even a slight rise in water levels could push filthy water into homes and narrow lanes.
Early Warning Signs Already Visible
Last week, water briefly accumulated in one or two lanes of Agar Enclave before receding on its own. Locals see this as a warning sign. “If preventive steps are not taken now, the situation can spiral out of control,” said residents, recalling how quickly waterlogging overwhelmed Sharma Colony.
Residents Demand Preventive Action
Colony welfare associations and residents are urging the administration to act responsibly. Their key demand is simple:
First, ensure proper drainage of the stagnant water from the open ground.
Only then proceed with landfill and leveling work.
“If this isn’t done, water will have nowhere to go and will inevitably enter our streets and homes,” warned local RWA members. Some residents fear they may be forced to temporarily abandon their homes if flooding occurs.
Administration at a Crossroads
With Sharma Colony’s crisis still fresh in public memory, Agar Enclave residents say this is the moment for authorities to act proactively rather than react after damage is done. Failure to manage drainage properly, they warn, could turn another neighborhood into a waterlogged zone—undoing recent relief efforts and deepening public mistrust.
For now, thousands of families in Agar Enclave live under a cloud of uncertainty, hoping timely intervention will prevent the next urban flooding emergency in outer Delhi.
