Delhi MCD Desilting Plan 2024-25: A Comprehensive Approach to Prevent Waterlogging
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has unveiled its MCD desilting plan 2024-25, with a key focus on cleaning all unauthorised colonies and ensuring the proper maintenance of internal drains less than 4ft deep to prevent waterlogging during the upcoming monsoon season. The plan aims to clear 1,27,608 tonnes of waste from 713 drains deeper than 4ft and 82,642 tonnes from 20,884 smaller drains.
An official from MCD stated, “To address the risk of waterlogging in unauthorised colonies due to issues like improper outfall or blockage, we have included them in this year’s desilting plan. Fifteen colonies in west Delhi have already been covered, and we plan to extend our efforts to cover all areas in east, south, and north Delhi, including drains connecting villages.”
While MCD’s sanitation staff routinely clean smaller drains throughout the year, the department of environment management services will monitor them this year and provide regular status reports. The official noted, “In response to frequent complaints about clogging or congestion in internal drains, we have decided to maintain separate records for their desilting.”
As of May 2, about 20.2% of the silt from drains deeper than 4ft had been removed by private agencies assigned to the task. “These agencies use excavators, machines, and manual labor to clear the silt and dispose of it at landfills. We aim to remove 78,516 tonnes in the first phase by June 15,” added the official. Each drain now has a designated nodal officer to promptly address waterlogging issues during the monsoon. In the second phase, 47,593 tonnes of silt will be removed by March next year.
MCD is also addressing concerns about sewer lines draining into the drains at various locations. The official explained, “After the silt is removed, drains often get clogged again due to continuous sewage flow. Establishing centralized sewage treatment plants may not be effective in these circumstances, and we have raised our concerns with DJB and other relevant departments.”
Preparations for the rainy season include arranging temporary pumps and repairing permanent pumps. “Staff will be stationed 24×7 at all 72 permanent pumping stations during the monsoon. For the remaining 465 pumping stations, teams have been formed and sufficient pumps provided to address waterlogging problems. The majority of the 308 waterlogging locations identified by Delhi Traffic Police are owned by PWD,” the official said.
To manage complaints effectively, control rooms have been set up at the headquarters and in all 12 municipal zones. Waterlogging teams will work closely with deputy commissioners to resolve issues, and water level committees comprising area junior engineers and local workers will be established.
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