NEW DELHI: The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has enlisted the technical expertise of IIT Delhi and Delhi Technological University to investigate the recent flooring damage and groundwater discharge in the basement of Triveni Apartments, located in Dwarka’s Sector 16B.
The DDA has requested both institutions to deploy teams for on-site inspections and to provide a detailed report.
“We expect them to visit the site this week and deliver a tentative timeline for their findings,” noted a DDA official.
DDA teams are reportedly conducting daily visits to the site, with plans for long-term engagement with one of the government institutes to recommend corrective actions and oversee restoration. “We will proceed based on their recommendations once the testing and inspections are finalized,” the official added.
On Sunday, a significant portion of the basement floor collapsed, resulting in flooding within the parking area that damaged multiple vehicles and sparked anxiety among residents. The complex, inhabited since 2021, includes over 340 flats spread across three towers, housing more than 200 families and featuring two basement levels.
While the investigation marches on, the DDA has also made available 100 flats for bidding, with one draw conducted on Monday, just a day after the flooding incident.
Residents reported on Wednesday that the authority had deployed two pumps to remove excess water.
“The major flooding has subsided, but some seepage continues in certain areas. We hope for swift resolution… These flats were built recently, and such incidents question the integrity of soil testing and construction quality,” voiced VP Arya, a resident.
Structural engineer Aditya Sharma commented on the situation, emphasizing that constructing two underground basements entails digging approximately 11 meters deep. This depth increases the potential for seepage if there are shortcomings in soil testing or an insufficient understanding of the local geology.
“Channels and aquifers that are usually dormant can activate during heavy rainfall or rising water levels, leading to flooring damage from built-up pressure. Many residents have reported ongoing seepage in basements post-monsoon. Proper soil testing is crucial,” Sharma stressed.
