CM Rekha Gupta reviews monsoon preparedness, directs MCD to intensify measures on waterlogging, drainage

New Delhi: Chief minister Rekha Gupta has directed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to step up monsoon preparedness measures, with a focus on preventing waterlogging, strengthening drainage infrastructure and ensuring public safety across the city.

The directions were issued during a high-level review meeting chaired by the chief minister, where officials assessed waterlogging-prone areas, the progress of desilting work and the implementation status of the Drainage Master Plan up to 2029-30.

As per official instructions, all zonal authorities have been asked to submit a detailed account of drainage works completed in the last financial year, along with projects taken up in the current year. Officials have also been directed to identify areas that have remained vulnerable to waterlogging over the past three years, using official records as well as social media inputs, and to ensure targeted interventions to prevent a recurrence.

Special focus has been placed on chronic problem zones, including waterlogging reported outside Palam Metro Station. The deputy commissioner of the Najafgarh Zone has been instructed to coordinate with multiple agencies to identify the causes and carry out corrective measures.

The civic body has also ordered the identification of municipal schools that witnessed flooding in recent years. Senior officials from the engineering and education departments will review these cases to address structural issues and prevent future incidents.

In addition, all zonal deputy commissioners have been directed to ensure that no manholes remain uncovered within their jurisdictions. They have been asked to submit action taken reports, along with certification confirming compliance.

The review comes as the MCD intensifies efforts to reduce monsoon-related risks and improve urban resilience in the national capital.

Ahead of the rainy season, the civic body has also outlined a two-phase plan for desilting drains across the city.

According to official data, 793 major drains, each more than 4 feet wide and spanning a total length of 545.3 km, are being cleaned through outsourced agencies. The total silt removal target for 2026 is 2,33,132.4 metric tonnes (MT). Phase I, scheduled from Jan 1 to June 30, targets the removal of 1,41,003 MT, while Phase II, from July 1 to Dec 31, aims to clear 92,129.4 MT. So far, 31,580.2 MT has been removed, accounting for 22.4% of the Phase I target.

For smaller drains, less than 4 feet wide, 12,892 drains covering 6,069.88 km are being desilted by departmental staff. The total silt removal target stands at 51,701 MT, with 25,850.5 MT planned for each phase. Till date, 13,068.7 MT has been cleared, achieving 50.55% of the Phase I target.

Zone-wise data shows that the Najafgarh Zone has the highest number of desilting works at 71, followed by South Najafgarh Zone with 52 and Central Zone with 35.

MCD has set June 30 as the deadline for completing Phase I ahead of the monsoon, while Phase II will continue till Dec 31, 2026. A budget provision of Rs 3,599.9 lakh has been earmarked this year for desilting major drains.


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