‘Desilting in Delhi to begin on April 15’

Ahead of rainy season, the Public Works Department (PWD) of the Delhi government has planned to launch a two-month exercise to desilt the city’s drains from April 15, a move intended to prevent waterlogging on roads.

Written reply

In a written reply to a question by Vijender Gupta, the Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, PWD Minister Satyendar Jain said the Department is inviting tenders for desilting work.

“The PWD is inviting tenders for desilting of drains and hopes to start the work by April 15,” the Minister told the House.

Delhiites struggle due to waterlogging every monsoon.

There are around 165 major drains in the city.

The tussle

Last year, desilting of drains had led to a tussle between the government and bureaucracy, with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal seeking action against then PWD Secretary Ashwani Kumar for not obeying his order over desilting of drains.

L-G forms panel

Lieutenant-Governor Anil Baijal had also formed a high-level committee to look after desilting of drains and open manholes in the Capital.

The committee will coordinate with various agencies for desilting work so that they do not end up passing the buck.