Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has directed all departments to complete cleaning of drains and proper disposal of silt by June 30, aiming to prevent waterlogging during the upcoming monsoon season in the capital.
The instructions were issued during a high-level review meeting at the Delhi Secretariat focused on improving drainage systems and ensuring smoother rainfall management.
Annual Waterlogging Issue Under Review
The Chief Minister noted that waterlogging remains a recurring problem in Delhi during the rainy season. She identified key reasons behind the issue, including:
- Improper cleaning of drains
- Silt being left along drain sides after cleaning
- Blocked drainage flow due to accumulated waste
She stressed the need for a systematic and permanent solution to address these issues.
Strict Deadline Set for Drain Cleaning
Rekha Gupta has set a June 30 deadline for all departments to:
- Complete cleaning of all drains
- Ensure proper disposal of silt and waste
- Prepare drainage systems for monsoon
She also warned that negligence would lead to strict action against responsible officials.
Inter-Department Coordination Essential
Referring to past improvements, including reduced flooding in areas like Minto Bridge, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of coordination between agencies.
She instructed departments to:
- Avoid blame games
- Work in close coordination
- Focus on long-term solutions instead of temporary fixes
Identification of Flood-Prone Areas
The Chief Minister directed officials to identify sensitive and flood-prone locations across Delhi and ensure preparedness before the monsoon.
She also emphasized reducing dependence on pumping systems and improving natural drainage capacity.
Push for Modern Technology and Drainage Master Plan
The government will focus on modernizing drainage infrastructure by:
- Adopting advanced drainage technologies
- Purchasing modern equipment where needed
- Strengthening the Drainage Master Plan
She stated that reliance on pumps alone is not a sustainable solution, especially during heavy rainfall when equipment failure can worsen flooding.
Continuous Monitoring and Field Inspections
The Chief Minister instructed officials to maintain constant coordination with engineers and ground staff during the rainy season.
She also announced that she will personally conduct field inspections with senior officials to monitor ground-level conditions and ensure accountability.
High-Level Officials Present in Meeting
The review meeting was attended by senior officials from multiple departments and agencies, including:
- Chief Secretary of Delhi
- Public Works Department (PWD)
- Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD)
- Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC)
- New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC)
- Delhi Development Authority (DDA)
- Delhi Cantonment Board
Government’s Focus on Monsoon Preparedness
The Delhi government reiterated its commitment to reducing monsoon-related disruptions by ensuring:
- Timely drainage cleaning
- Efficient silt management
- Strong inter-agency coordination
- Adoption of modern infrastructure solutions
With these measures, the administration aims to significantly reduce waterlogging and improve urban resilience during the rainy season.
