Delhi waterlogging: NDMC completes Phase 1 of desilting drive, sets up six control rooms

NDMC member Kuljeet Chahal said that the civic agency has successfully completed the first phase of the desilting drive and removed 500 tonnes of silt from the New Delhi area. “The first phase of the desilting process was started in March and completed by May 31. NDMC is fully prepared for the monsoon. The second phase of the desilting drive will start from June 15,” said Chahal.

Besides, NDMC has also identified five critical waterlogging hotspots at Africa Avenue, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Panchkuian Road, Purana Quila Road and Lodhi Estate, officials said, adding that the council is installing additional pumps with a horsepower of 500 to remove the logged water.

NDMC has further deployed 600 employees with equipment and permanent and portable pumps to monitor the situation on the ground during heavy downpours and to clear water immediately.

Further, the NDMC has created 278 rainwater harvesting pits across the New Delhi area. “The de-silting of these rainwater harvesting pits will be completed by the end of this month. These pits will be very helpful to curb the waterlogging situation as well as uplifting of groundwater level in the NDMC area,” said Chahal.

NDMC is responsible for a total area of 42.74 square kilometres with an open Khushak Nallah spread across 3 km and 14 drainage systems. Further, the New Delhi area has a 53.41 km-long main drainage line and 270.82 km small drains, which include residential areas.