Govt deploys trash skimmer machines at Najafgarh Drain
The Delhi Government has deployed two advanced dual-purpose weed harvester cum trash skimmer machines at the Najafgarh Drain — one of the biggest contributors of pollutants into the Yamuna. The machines were formally inaugurated and flagged off by Irrigation and Flood Control Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh.
The Najafgarh Drain has long carried floating waste, invasive weeds, and untreated pollutants into the Yamuna. By targeting the problem at its source, these machines are expected to significantly reduce the pollutant load entering the river while also improving drainage efficiency across the city.
Powered by a 112 HP engine and equipped with a storage capacity of approximately 14 cubic metres, the machines can cut, collect, and remove dense aquatic vegetation such as water hyacinth along with floating trash. Built with marine-grade steel, they are designed for durability across varied water conditions, including shallow stretches.
Their advanced conveyor system ensures continuous harvesting and unloading, enabling faster and uninterrupted operations.
With a combined investment of Rs 2.90 crore, the initiative reflects a clear shift towards modern, technology-led solutions in urban governance. Officials confirmed that the machines are ready for immediate deployment following the inauguration.
Irrigation and Flood Control Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh said that cleaning the Najafgarh Drain is directly linked to cleaning the Yamuna. We are now using modern, made-in-India machines aligned with the vision of Swachh Bharat to deliver real, visible change. These dual-purpose harvesters are not just machines - they represent technology-led governance in action.”
“Built on a stable catamaran design and equipped with a dual weed-cutting system, these machines can efficiently remove weeds and floating waste in one go. This ensures continuous cleaning, better water flow, and reduced waterlogging. Our focus is clear - efficient systems, effective execution, and outcomes that people can see on the ground,” the minister added.
Officials emphasised that beyond routine maintenance, the deployment will strengthen flood preparedness ahead of the monsoon while contributing meaningfully to the larger mission of Yamuna cleaning.
The flag-off marks a shift from reactive measures to proactive, technology-backed governance, where cleaner drains will lead to a cleaner Yamuna and a more resilient Delhi.
