New Delhi, April 10 – In an effort to prepare for the monsoon, Delhi Irrigation and Flood Control Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh conducted an on-site inspection of desilting work at the Delhi Gate drain and the Barapulla drain on Friday.
The visit highlighted both the scale and seriousness of the efforts underway to address waterlogging in the capital before the onset of the rains, according to an official statement.
The Minister stated that desilting at the Delhi Gate drain has already reached 70%, with over 21,000 metric tonnes of silt removed so far.
"The work is progressing rapidly, with visible deployment of machinery and manpower," he said.
"This is not just about cleaning drains; it is about correcting years of neglect and ensuring that Delhi is prepared before the rains arrive. The Delhi Gate drain, which remained covered for nearly 40 years, is now finally being opened and cleaned properly. This will make a real difference on the ground," he said.
He also stated that desilting work at the Barapulla drain is nearing 78% completion, with more than 31,000 metric tonnes of silt cleared.
A major development is that the Delhi Gate drain, which had been covered with slabs for nearly 40 years, is now being opened up for thorough cleaning.
For decades, the covered structure had severely restricted proper desilting, contributing to repeated waterlogging in nearby areas.
For the first time in 40 years, slabs are being dismantled to allow complete access to the drain, enabling deep cleaning and restoring its carrying capacity, the statement said.
Reviewing the overall progress of the Irrigation & Flood Control Department (IFCD) drains, the Minister informed that out of 77 identified drains, nearly 50% desilting has already been completed, with more than 14 lakh metric tonnes of silt removed so far.
The department has set a target of 28 lakh metric tonnes, and work is being carried out continuously to meet this goal within timelines.
Parvesh Sahib Singh said, "Our focus is clear: start early, work with urgency, and complete desilting on time. The progress at Barapulla and Delhi Gate shows that work is happening seriously, not just on paper. With both these drains being strengthened, areas like Daryaganj, Jama Masjid, Feroz Shah Road, ITO, South Extension, and Okhla are expected to get significant relief from waterlogging this monsoon.”
The Minister emphasized that the desilting work across the city this year is being closely monitored with accountability at every level to avoid delays and ensure quality execution.