As Delhi on Friday recorded its second-highest single-day rainfall since 1901, PWD Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma on Saturday inspected several colonies and announced that all nallas in the capital will be desilted and cleaned by May 30.
He also said across Delhi, an intensive desilting drive is underway to clear storm water drains and prevent flooding. “Our mission is clear — clean every drain, fix every problem and be ready for the first major shower. PWD and Jal Board officers are not in offices, they’re on the roads —checking sites, coordinating machinery, and ensuring timely execution,” the Minister said.
Verma on Saturday conducted an on-site inspection of the Golf Links area, one of the localities severely affected by water accumulation during last year’s monsoon. Accompanied by BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj, Verma reviewed the ongoing work related to sewer lines, storm water drains, and sump well construction — carried out under the jurisdiction of the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC). He assured residents and the media that all preventive works will be completed by May 30, ahead of the full onset of the monsoon season.
“We have come to Golf Links today because this area was heavily waterlogged last monsoon. This time, we are fully prepared. NDMC has issued all necessary work orders, and the work is progressing swiftly. We’re confident that all works here — and across the city — will be completed before May 30,” said Minister Verma.
During the inspection, Verma pointed out that three new sump wells are being constructed in the area to manage rainwater efficiently. Pumps have already been installed to redirect water directly to main drains. Additionally, a Super Sucker machine is being used daily for the last 10 days to carry out intensive desilting of the drainage system.
“We’ve seen the work ourselves-everything is on track and being monitored daily. Yesterday’s rainfall was a wake-up call, and all concerned officers are on the ground. This time, no area in Delhi will remain flooded,” Verma emphasised.
The commitment comes in light of Friday’s intense pre-monsoon rain, which saw 78 mm of rainfall recorded in Delhi by 8:30 am — the second-highest in a single day for the month of May since 1901. The highest was 119.3 mm, recorded on May 20, 2021, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
In areas like BK Dutt Colony, Verma also reviewed road, pipeline, and tree-related issues in coordination with the local RWA. He assured residents that local issues will be addressed in an integrated manner, combining the efforts of multiple civic agencies. As part of the city’s broader flood-prevention strategy, Verma stressed that every department-from NDMC to DJB to PWD — is aligned in ensuring smooth execution. He said ministers, officers, and the Chief Minister are personally monitoring works on the ground.
“We welcome the monsoon with confidence this year. The city will be ready, and residents will not have to suffer waterlogging like in the past,” Verma concluded.