Editor Mr.Mayank Rawat ( Chief Editor Mr. Rohit Mishra )
New Delhi: Delhi govt has intensified its efforts to tackle waterlogging in the city by cleaning the Sunehri Pul drain, which had been clogged by silt and waste during the monsoon, causing severe waterlogging issues in south Delhi’s residential colonies.
Chief minister Rekha Gupta, lieutenant governor V K Saxena and PWD minister Parvesh Verma Wednesday took stock of the work at a site where suction machines are being used to remove the silt.
Part of the Kushak nallah-Barapullah drainage system, Sunehri Pul drain receives outfall drains from areas like Lodhi Colony and other parts of south and central Delhi.
“This is our second visit in two days to review the drain. When it was initially constructed, perhaps, no proper desilting mechanism was planned,” Gupta said, adding, “We are here to find a solution to this challenge. Using advanced machinery, we are making cuts into the drain to remove layers of silt that has accumulated over the years.”
Saxena said the inspection of the Sunheri Pul drain was conducted to ensure a “permanent solution” to waterlogging issues before the onset of the monsoon. He added that he had directed all the departments concerned to work in coordination and take concrete steps for desilting the drain and ensuring smooth water flow.
Verma said suction machines were being deployed to remove the accumulated waste efficiently. “The filtered water is being treated and released back into the drain, improving drainage flow and preventing future blockages.”
Verma said ahead of monsoon, preventive measures were being accelerated to minimise waterlogging and ensure a smooth urban experience for Delhiites. “The administration is closely monitoring drainage systems across the city and working proactively to strengthen Delhi’s flood management and water disposal systems,” he said.
The Barapullah, Sunehri and Kushak drains, which cater to several key areas, need urgent cleaning. The 16km-long Barapullah drain flows through parts of south, central and southeast Delhi, including INA Market, Defence Colony and Greater Kailash, before meeting the Yamuna. It carries almost 80% of wastewater from the Barapullah basin region into the river, accounting for a major chunk of its pollution.
The 6.5km-long Kushak nallah, flowing through several south Delhi neighbourhoods, enters MCD area behind INA Market, after which an important tributary — the Defence Colony nallah — joins it. Thereafter, the 1.4km-long Sunehri drain, which brings considerable discharge from New Delhi area, also gets connected.
Mayank Rawat
