CM finds 'desilted' drains choked, orders strict action

NEW DELHI: Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday found that drains, reported to have been desilted, were still choked and ordered suspension of the officers responsible officers, saying "no laxity will be tolerated" on issues concerning public health.

He conducted an on-field inspection of the desilting of drains in three locations in Ambedkar Nagar area of south Delhi, and found discrepancies in the official reports submitted by the Public Works Department (PWD) and the actual situation on the ground.

"On paper, they (the officers) said that 100 per cent desilting work has been done, but it was all false. I have directed the PWD Secretary to suspend the responsible officer by evening. No laxity will be tolerated on important issues concerning public health and well being," Kejriwal told reporters during the inspection at Old MB Road Khanpur (Pipal Chowk), Valmiki Mandir Marg and Rajaram Marg near the BRT Road.

During the inspection on all three spots, it was found that despite official paper reports of drains having been completely desilted, these were seen to be choked and the local public complained that no desilting work had been carried out.

The CM was accompanied by senior ministers and officials of the PWD.