G20 preparations: Desilting of drains begins in Delhi ahead of monsoon

During the process, the PWD will desilt stormwater drains and remove silts, garbage and floating plastic material from these drains (covered as well as open drains).

Every monsoon, the national capital witnesses heavy waterlogging that would lead to a traffic mayhem due to improper desilting and lack of coordination and communication between departments.

“We have started the tendering process for the desilting work and some divisions have begun the work. Contracts will be given for a year and the desilting work will be done in a phased manner. The first phase will be completed by May 15,” said a senior PWD official.

The officer said that directions were given to implement safety precautions, and proper disposal of debris on Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) grounds.

“Several agencies desilt the drain and leave the malba (debris) and rubbish on the roadside making it difficult for pedestrians to use footpaths and pavements. It also leads to stench and leaves a bad impression. So, we have strictly issued directions to all the engineers concerned to ensure that the contractors remove and properly dispose of the silts,” said the official.

The agency will also have to take photographs before and after the work at all locations on a daily basis to be kept as records.

The LG has directed the officials to dispose of the silt, sludge, building rubbish or earth-mixed debris at the authorised MCD dumping ground through mechanical transport, the authorities said.

In the previous meetings related to G20 Summit preparation, LG Saxena directed all the agencies to ensure all drains are desilted periodically and that no waterlogging occurs during September 9-10.