New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has issued a stern directive to all civic and infrastructure agencies, mandating the completion of drain desilting operations by June 30. The Chief Minister emphasized that any delays or negligence in addressing waterlogging issues during the monsoon season would not be tolerated.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that the directive came during a review meeting held at the Secretariat. Chief Minister Gupta stressed the critical need for coordinated efforts across various departments to effectively prevent monsoon flooding in the national capital. Senior officials from key agencies including the Public Works Department (PWD), Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), and the Delhi Cantonment Board were in attendance, alongside Chief Secretary Rajeev Verma.
During the review of monsoon preparedness, the Chief Minister provided clear instructions to all departments. These instructions focused on ensuring the timely desilting of drains and the proper disposal of removed silt. The objective is to guarantee the unimpeded flow of rainwater through the drainage system. Chief Minister Gupta also drew attention to the persistent challenge posed by garbage accumulation, which frequently clogs drain inlets in both market areas and residential localities, thereby contributing to road waterlogging.
The Chief Minister cited the Minto Road area as a successful example of effective waterlogging management. She noted that the area remained free from flooding during the previous monsoon season, a significant improvement attributed to sustained monitoring and prompt interventions, despite its historical vulnerability to severe inundation.
Adopting a firm stance on accountability, Gupta stated that departments must refrain from shifting blame and instead foster close coordination. She issued a warning, asserting that any reported instances of negligence would result in strict disciplinary action.
The Chief Minister also advocated for the adoption of advanced technology and modern equipment to enhance the efficiency of response mechanisms. Agencies were instructed to proactively identify areas prone to waterlogging and ensure that rapid drainage systems are in place and operational during periods of heavy rainfall.
Officials have been directed to maintain continuous communication channels with ground staff and engineers, who are the primary responders during waterlogging incidents. Chief Minister Gupta indicated her intention to personally conduct field inspections to personally monitor the preparedness levels across the city.
Highlighting the necessity for sustainable long-term solutions, the Chief Minister expressed the city’s need to decrease its reliance on pumping systems, which have been known to fail during peak rainfall events. She urged for the acceleration of the drainage master plan implementation and the adoption of a scientific, long-term strategy aimed at permanently eradicating the recurring problem of waterlogging.
“The objective is to move beyond temporary fixes and construct resilient infrastructure capable of sparing residents from the annual monsoon ordeal,” she stated, underscoring the vision for a more sustainable approach to urban water management.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
