Delhi speeds up drain cleaning as min reviews monsoon preps

New Delhi: In a major step towards tackling chronic waterlogging, Delhi’s Irrigation and Flood Control (IFCD) Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh on Friday inspected desilting work at the Delhi Gate and Barapulla drains, highlighting intensified efforts to prepare the capital for the monsoon.

A key highlight of the inspection was the opening of the Delhi Gate drain, which had remained covered for nearly four decades. The slab-covered structure had long hindered proper cleaning, contributing to recurring flooding in surrounding areas. Officials have now begun dismantling the slabs to enable comprehensive desilting and restore the drain’s full capacity.

According to the minister, desilting at the Delhi Gate drain has crossed 70 per cent, with over 21,000 metric tonnes of silt already removed. Work is progressing rapidly with visible deployment of machinery and labour on site.

At the Barapulla drain, another major drainage channel, nearly 78 per cent of desilting has been completed, with more than 31,000 metric tonnes of silt cleared so far.

Reviewing the broader progress, Singh said that of the 77 identified IFCD drains, around 50 per cent desilting has been completed, removing over 14 lakh metric tonnes of silt against a target of 28 lakh metric tonnes.

“This is not just about cleaning drains, it is about correcting years of neglect and ensuring that Delhi is prepared before the rains arrive,” Singh said. “The Delhi Gate drain, which remained covered for nearly 40 years, is now finally being opened and cleaned properly.”

He stressed urgency in desilting, saying work is being done seriously; improved drainage is expected to ease waterlogging in key areas before monsoon.