Gates of Yamuna drains closed, MCD says no fear of overflowing

Delhi government has closed the sluice gates of 17 nullahs falling in Yamuna to prevent rising water from coming into the city but civic authorities today assured that this will not lead to overflowing of drains.

Delhi government has closed the sluice gates of 17 nullahs falling in Yamuna to prevent rising water from coming into the city but civic authorities today assured that this will not lead to overflowing of drains.

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The issue was discussed at a meeting of the MCD Standing Committee where councillors raised concern that the closing of the gates will lead to insanitary conditions in the city and increase chances of overflowing due to rains.

Commissioner K S Mehra assured that the closing of gates was a routine exercise undertaken by the Flood Control Department of the government to ensure that water from Yamuna does not flow into the city and cause a deluge.

"However, at all the 17 points, pumps have been installed and excess water from the drains are being pumped into the river itself. So there is no fear of overflowing of drains within the city. At eight points, 10 pumps each of MCD are working while at nine other points, pumps of Flood Control Department and DJB are at work," Mehra said.

Several councillors, including Leader of Opposition J K Sharma also raised the issue of potholes on city roads and sought to know why the new pothole-repairing machines procured by the MCD were not being used to repair them.

Mehra said the two machines are being used in various areas according to requirement.