DDA clears 57,000 MT silt from drains, 70% more than last year

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has cleared 57,000 metric tonnes (MT) of silt from stormwater drains till now, officials said on Thursday.

According to officials, a dedicated 24/7 helpline is also being set up for waterlogging-related complaints. Mobile pumping units have been stationed at identified vulnerable locations to enable the swift removal of accumulated rainwater.

Under the extensive drive, 70 per cent more silt has been removed till now than last year, they said. To facilitate efficient implementation, the city was divided into six operational zones, including East, South, North, Narela, Rohini and Dwarka, enabling focused planning, close supervision and timely execution of the works.

During the previous year’s pre-monsoon drive, approximately 33,380 MT of silt was removed from stormwater drains.

“The extensive drive has significantly strengthened Delhi’s drainage infrastructure ahead of the monsoon season and enhanced the city’s preparedness to effectively manage heavy rainfall,” the DDA said in a statement.

“The DDA has established a Central Flood Control Room along with flood control rooms in all engineering zones,” it said.

“Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu has been continuously reviewing the progress of desilting operations to ensure that people in the national capital do not face any inconvenience due to heavy rainfall. In compliance with his directions, DDA accelerated field-level execution and monitored the progress on a regular basis,” the statement said.