Editor Mr.Mayank Rawat ( Chief Editor Mr. Rohit Mishra )
New Delhi: Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has intensified its drain desilting operations before monsoon, targeting 2.13 lakh metric tonnes of silt removal from 800 drains deeper than 4 ft. The Rs 36-crore project—with funds allocated from plan and non-plan heads—aims to complete most work by May 31, with possible extensions till June 15.
“We have cleaned 20,000 MT of silt and transported it to identified sites. While majority of drains will be covered by May 31, the deadline might get extended to June 15 in some cases,” said an official, adding that all efforts are being taken to mitigate chances of waterlogging in the city.
For the 22 major drains connecting to the Yamuna River, now under the Irrigation and Flood Control department (IFC), MCD will maintain responsibility for cleaning covered portions while IFC handles open sections. “These drains were transferred to the IFC on the direction of Delhi High Court last year. The objective is to enhance drainage management, reduce flooding incidents, and boost the quality of water in the Yamuna River. However, considering we have expertise in cleaning the covered portion of drains easily, it was decided, this year, the open portion would be cleaned by the IFC dept. while the covered portion will continue to be desilted by MCD,” said an official.
Out of the 22 drains, 14 are either partly or fully under the jurisdiction of the MCD. The drains include Tehkhand drain (70% work completed), Tuglakabad drain (75% work completed), Maharani Bagh (50% work done), Magazine Road (work completed), Sweeper Colony (work completed), Delhi Gate or Power House drain (80% work done), Vijay Ghat (completed), Qudsia Bagh (completed), Nullah No. 12, also called Sen Nursing Home Nullah (80% work completed), and drain no. 14 (90% work completed). These drains have a depth of up to 5 metres.
To manage silt disposal effectively, MCD plans to utilise the 7.2-acre Singhola land facility instead of overburdened landfills. Currently, the civic body is bio-mining 8 lakh tonnes of existing silt at Singhola, with 40% completion.
Mayank Rawat
