Delhi PWD Launches 21-Day Clean-Up Drive to Tackle Monsoon Challenges
New Delhi, May 5, 2025 — In a proactive move to mitigate the perennial issue of waterlogging during the monsoon season, the Delhi Public Works Department (PWD) has initiated a comprehensive 21-day clean-up and infrastructure enhancement drive. The campaign, announced by PWD Minister Parvesh Verma on May 3, aims to address critical areas such as drain cleaning, silt removal, and the clearing of encroachments, ensuring the city is well-prepared for the upcoming rains.
Strategic Measures for Monsoon Preparedness
The 21-day campaign focuses on several key areas to enhance the city’s drainage and water management systems:
- Drain Cleaning and Silt Removal: The PWD has deployed advanced machinery, including super-sucker machines, to remove accumulated silt from stormwater drains. These machines have been operational for the past 10 days, ensuring thorough cleaning of the drainage systems.
- Infrastructure Upgrades: To improve water drainage, the installation of new pumps in main drains and the construction of three new sump wells are underway. These measures aim to enhance the city’s capacity to manage heavy rainfall.
- Encroachment Removal: The campaign also targets the illegal occupation of spaces under flyovers, which often obstructs drainage systems and contributes to waterlogging.
Minister Verma, accompanied by BJP Member of Parliament Bansuri Swaraj, conducted an inspection of ongoing projects, including the construction of soak pits and stormwater drains in flood-prone areas like Golf Links. The minister assured that all essential measures would be completed by May 30, allowing the city to effectively manage the monsoon season.
Emphasis on Accountability and Efficiency
Minister Verma has underscored the importance of accountability within the PWD. He highlighted concerns regarding the department’s credibility due to prolonged roadworks and partial drain cleaning efforts. To address these issues, Verma has implemented stricter oversight measures, including daily inspections and digital reporting through the PWD e-monitoring app. He has also cautioned that negligence at any level will not be tolerated and has suspended a PWD executive engineer for failing to maintain drains along NH 9
Collaborative Efforts with NDMC
The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has been working in tandem with the PWD to bolster the city’s monsoon preparedness. NDMC Chairman Keshav Chandra presented a detailed report to the Ministry of Jal Shakti, outlining strategies for flood management and rainwater conservation. The plan includes the use of robotic equipment for cleaning hard-to-reach drains and the implementation of modular rainwater harvesting (RWH) pits. These pits, utilizing crosswave technology, are designed to optimize water utilization and reduce construction costs
Additionally, NDMC has identified 27 flood-prone areas, including Purana Qila Road, Golf Link, and Lodhi Colony, where RWH systems will be installed. The council has also positioned dewatering pumps in these areas and established round-the-clock control rooms to monitor and address waterlogging issues promptly.
Looking Ahead
As the monsoon season approaches, the collaborative efforts of the PWD and NDMC aim to significantly reduce the risk of waterlogging in Delhi. The 21-day clean-up drive is a critical component of the city’s broader strategy to enhance urban infrastructure and ensure the safety and comfort of its residents during the monsoon months.
Residents are encouraged to report any waterlogging issues or encroachments to the designated control rooms and utilize the PWD e-monitoring app to facilitate swift resolution. Through collective action and diligent monitoring, Delhi aims to navigate the challenges of the monsoon season effectively.