New Delhi, April 23: As the monsoon season approaches, Delhi’s Irrigation and Flood Control Department has ramped up its preparations. The desilting of major drains in the city is progressing swiftly. The department has completed over 57% of its total desilting target, aiming to minimize the annual issues of waterlogging and urban flooding.
According to official data, 57.68% progress has been made on the desilting of 76 drains. Out of a target to remove 2.857 million cubic meters of silt, over 1.648 million cubic meters have already been cleared.
Work on critical drains is advancing rapidly. More than 76% of the work on 21 priority drains is complete, indicating that these areas will be nearly ready before the monsoon. In Najafgarh, one of Delhi’s most flood-prone areas, nearly 48% of the work on the drainage system has been finished. Additionally, work on the remaining 55 drains has reached over 63% completion.
Officials deployed in the field report that this year’s operations are being conducted in a more organized manner. Work is being carried out simultaneously across different zones to avoid last-minute rushes. Sensitive locations identified in previous years for waterlogging are being prioritized to ensure smooth water flow.
Alongside desilting, the department is enhancing its machinery capacity. Plans are underway to purchase modern equipment worth over ₹940 million, including 38 specialized machines such as draglines, long-boom hydraulic excavators, amphibious excavators, and dredgers, which are particularly useful for cleaning deep and wide drains. So far, 12 machines have been purchased, with orders placed for others, and the tender process is ongoing for the remaining equipment. The inclusion of amphibious machines is expected to significantly improve operations in flood-prone and difficult areas.
Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh reviewed the preparations, stating, “Our focus this time is on the execution and accountability of ground-level work. Ensuring the cleaning and functionality of every major drain before the monsoon is our priority. Continuous monitoring of work is being conducted at all levels. We have strengthened both manpower and machinery. Our goal is to prevent water accumulation during heavy rains and avoid disruption to the daily lives of citizens. This is proactive preparation, not a reactive response.”
Department officials have also been instructed to ensure the proper disposal of the removed silt to prevent it from returning to the drains, a significant issue in previous years. Regular inspections and real-time monitoring are being implemented to ensure both the pace and quality of the work.
With a substantial portion of desilting completed and modern machinery being deployed, the department aims to finish all tasks before the peak of the monsoon, providing relief from the recurring flooding issues in the capital.
My name is Narendra Jijhontiya. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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