Over 57% desilting of Delhi drains completed ahead of monsoon

Delhi undertakes annual desilting of major drains to mitigate waterlogging during monsoon. However, past reports have flagged delays in completion and uneven progress across drains

The Irrigation and Flood Control Department has completed over 57% of desilting work across major drains in the Capital ahead of the monsoon season, officials said.

The Najafgarh drain system has recorded nearly 48% completion. (Vipin Kumar/ Hindustan Times)

According to official data, desilting at 76 drains has reached 57.68%, with over 1.65 million cubic metres of silt removed against a target of 2.86 million cubic metres. Work on 21 priority drains has crossed 76% completion, showing significant progress in flood-prone areas.

Delhi minister Parvesh Verma said the emphasis is on timely execution. “Our priority is to ensure that all critical drains are cleared and functional before monsoon. Work is being monitored closely at every level. We have strengthened both manpower and machinery,” he said.

The Najafgarh drain system has recorded nearly 48% completion, while the remaining 55 drains have achieved over 63% progress. Officials said work is being carried out simultaneously across multiple locations, with a focus on vulnerable points identified from previous seasons.

The department is also upgrading its mechanical capacity under a procurement plan worth over ₹94 crore. The plan includes 38 specialised machines such as draglines, long-boom hydraulic excavators and dredgers to improve efficiency, officials added.

So far, 12 machines have been procured, while orders for other equipment have been placed.

Officials have also been instructed to ensure proper disposal of silt to prevent it from flowing back into drains. Regular field inspections and real-time monitoring are being conducted to maintain progress and quality standards. The department aims to finish the remaining desilting before the peak monsoon period.

Delhi undertakes annual desilting of major drains to mitigate waterlogging during monsoon. However, past reports have flagged delays in completion and uneven progress across drains, raising concerns about preparedness in flood-prone areas, officials said.