The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has successfully completed the desilting of 14 major drains. This accomplishment is part of a broader initiative targeting 713 drains exceeding 4 feet in depth, a benchmark the MCD has met with commendable efficiency.
The irrigation and flood control department is poised to take over 22 drains this year, 14 of which fall under the MCD’s purview. Following the first round of desilting, officials are prioritising a second phase to ensure thorough removal of silt, thereby reducing the likelihood of water accumulation and associated disruptions during the monsoon season.
This development follows MCD’s recent announcement of achieving an impressive 103.37% of its desilting target for deeper drains, successfully extracting 80,690.4 metric tonnes of silt. The 14 major drains addressed in this initiative include key conduits such as the Vijay Ghat drain, ISBT Drain, Kailash Nagar Drain, Shastri Park Drain, Drain No. 14, Tehkhand Drain, Sen Nursing Home Drain (Drain No. 12), Delhi Gate Drain, and Abul Fazal Drain.
An official underscored the deployment of extensive machinery, including super sucker machines and suction-cum-jetting machines, complemented by additional manpower to ensure thorough cleaning.
To further bolster flood prevention measures, the MCD has strategically deployed extra portable pumps at identified vulnerable locations. This proactive approach aims to swiftly address any potential waterlogging incidents, ensuring minimal disruption to daily life.
This initiative is a testament to the MCD’s dedication to improving the city’s drainage infrastructure. The completion of these critical desilting operations not only underscores the MCD’s preparedness for the monsoon season but also sets a precedent for other municipal bodies aiming to enhance urban flood resilience.
