New Delhi [India], July 9 (ANI): In a major effort to strengthen the city’s drainage infrastructure, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), under the direct monitoring and guidance of the lieutenant governor, has intensified desilting operations across the national capital in a mission-mode initiative.
According to official data, the DDA has removed more than 57,000 metric tons of silt, representing a 70% increase over last year’s desilting efforts.
The authority has completed desilting work in the East, South, and North zones, while operations in the Narela, Rohini, and Dwarka zones are in their final stages, according to an official release.
As part of its monsoon preparedness plan, the DDA has also established a Central Flood Control Room, zonal flood control rooms, a 24/7 helpline, and deployed mobile pumping units to respond quickly to waterlogging.
The desilting campaign has been carried out under the continuous supervision of Delhi Lieutenant Governor Sardar Taranjit Singh Sandhu, who has regularly reviewed the preparedness of various agencies to ensure residents face minimal disruption during heavy rainfall.
Following the lieutenant governor’s directives, the DDA accelerated field operations and closely monitored progress throughout the campaign.
To improve execution, Delhi was divided into six operational zones—East, South, North, Narela, Rohini, and Dwarka—allowing for focused planning, close supervision, and timely completion of the work.
The scale of this year’s operation reflects the DDA’s enhanced planning and operational capacity. During last year’s pre-monsoon drive, approximately 33,380 metric tons of silt were removed from stormwater drains. This year, more than 57,000 metric tons have already been cleared, increasing the carrying capacity of the city’s drainage network and improving the flow of rainwater ahead of the peak monsoon season.
As part of its broader flood management strategy, the DDA has established a Central Flood Control Room along with flood control rooms in all engineering zones. A dedicated 24/7 helpline is being set up to address waterlogging complaints, while mobile pumping units have been stationed at vulnerable locations to remove accumulated rainwater quickly.
In addition to desilting, preventive measures have been implemented at waterlogging-prone locations, including drain cleaning, strengthening drainage infrastructure, installing pumping equipment, and coordinating with other government agencies where necessary.
Officials said the immediate removal of desilted material and continuous monitoring of vulnerable stretches have further enhanced the city’s preparedness for the monsoon. These measures are expected to improve drainage efficiency, reduce waterlogging, and facilitate smoother traffic movement during the rainy season.
The DDA said the successful completion of the desilting campaign demonstrates its commitment to strengthening urban infrastructure through timely planning, effective implementation, and continuous monitoring. The authority said it remains committed to ensuring a safe, clean, and convenient environment for Delhi residents throughout the monsoon season. (ANI)
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