Desilting of Yamuna drains under way: CM Gupta

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta oversees desilting of drains to clean Yamuna river and prevent monsoon flooding.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday said desilting of the main drains that open into the Yamuna river is under way as part of a plan to clean the river and prevent flooding during the monsoon.

“Twenty-two major drains that open into Yamuna are being desilted using advanced machinery. Regular inspections of these drains are now being conducted every 15 days to ensure timely progress and quality control,” said Ms. Gupta while inspecting a drain with Lieutenant-Governor V.K. Saxena.

Ms. Gupta asked officials to ensure the drains were repaired and desilted before the monsoon.

Training guns at the Aam Aadmi Party, she said, “The previous government failed to comprehend the necessity of assessing the condition of these drains. They took decisions from air-conditioned offices, whereas our [BJP] government has resolved to monitor the Yamuna cleaning at the ground level and personally oversee the work.” The CM also announced the construction of a 59-acre park at Vipin Garden, Uttam Nagar.

The L-G said that waterlogging, which is a major concern in the city, affects the infrastructure and the quality of life of residents. However, it is not an issue that is confined to the monsoon season and therefore needs to be carefully managed, he added.