Drainage – DDA Removes Over 57,000 Tonnes of Silt Before Delhi Monsoon
Drainage – The Delhi Development Authority has stepped up its pre-monsoon preparations by clearing more than 57,000 metric tonnes of silt from stormwater drains across the capital. The large-scale desilting exercise is aimed at improving the flow of rainwater through the city’s drainage network and limiting waterlogging during heavy showers.
Six zones mapped for focused drainage work
To manage the operation efficiently, the DDA divided Delhi into six working zones: East, South, North, Narela, Rohini and Dwarka. The zone-wise plan allowed engineering teams to monitor drain cleaning work more closely and respond to local requirements.
Officials said the desilting work has been completed in the East, South and North zones. In Narela, Rohini and Dwarka, the work is nearing completion as the monsoon season advances.
Silt removal rises sharply from last year
The authority said this year’s exercise has been considerably larger than the previous pre-monsoon campaign. During last year’s drive, about 33,380 metric tonnes of silt were removed from drains. The current figure has crossed 57,000 metric tonnes, marking an increase of more than 70 per cent.
Silt accumulation can reduce the carrying capacity of drains and slow the movement of rainwater. By clearing these deposits before sustained rainfall begins, civic agencies expect the drainage network to handle higher volumes of water more effectively.
Lieutenant Governor reviews monsoon preparations
The campaign has been carried out under the monitoring of Lieutenant-Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu, who has been reviewing the readiness of agencies involved in monsoon management. Officials said the review process has focused on the status of drain cleaning, flood control arrangements and response plans for waterlogging-prone areas.
The DDA said the work was undertaken in mission mode, with field teams assigned to complete cleaning operations within the planned schedule. Coordination between engineering divisions has also been strengthened to ensure that blockages are identified and removed without delay.
Flood control rooms activated across engineering zones
Alongside the desilting programme, the DDA has set up a Central Flood Control Room to coordinate its response during the monsoon. Flood control rooms have also been established in all engineering zones to monitor local conditions and handle complaints from residents.
These control rooms are expected to remain connected with field staff and other agencies during periods of intense rainfall. Their role will include tracking water accumulation, directing emergency teams and ensuring that pumping equipment reaches affected locations quickly.
Helpline and mobile pumps planned for vulnerable areas
A dedicated 24-hour helpline is also being arranged for residents to report waterlogging-related problems. Officials said the service will help authorities receive complaints promptly and deploy teams where immediate intervention is needed.
Mobile pumping units have been positioned at locations considered vulnerable to water accumulation. These units will be used to remove rainwater from roads, low-lying stretches and other areas where drainage may be slow during heavy downpours.
The DDA’s preparations come as Delhi enters the monsoon period, when clogged drains and prolonged rainfall can disrupt traffic and affect daily life in several parts of the city. The authority said its expanded desilting work, flood control rooms and pumping arrangements are intended to improve response capacity through the season.