New Delhi: Delhi Development Authority (DDA) claimed to have completed around 70% of its desilting work and is aiming to finish the exercise by June 15 to minimise the risk of waterlogging during the monsoon.Reviewing the progress on Tuesday, lieutenant governor TS Sandhu stressed that delays won’t be tolerated. An extensive desilting drive of stormwater drains “was initiated well in advance to ensure smooth drainage of rainwater, prevent flooding of roads, reduce traffic congestion, maintain hygiene and improve the overall upkeep of public infrastructure during the monsoon”, LG said.As part of the drive, DDA is currently desilting 69km of stormwater drains in Narela and 192km in Dwarka. The exercise includes the removal of accumulated silt, debris, vegetation and other obstructions that impede the free flow of rainwater.A total of 494.8km of drains fall under DDA’s jurisdiction across its six zones. Of these, 148.2km comprise drains up to four feet deep, while 246km are deeper.DDA has also identified 11 waterlogging-prone locations, including 10 in South zone and one in East zone, and taken steps to fix the problem, said sources. These include Okhla underpass, the side road near Dwarka flyover and Maharaja Agrasen Hospital, Radha Swami T-Point , Sector 6/7 crossing, Sector 22 and Sector 23 in Dwarka, Sarita Vihar-Okhla Underpass, Dwarka Court, Utsav Park and Patparganj.Officials said regular inspections and monitoring were being carried out to ensure timely completion and adherence to quality standards. The initiative is expected to improve drainage efficiency, reduce waterlogging and facilitate smoother traffic movement during the rainy season.DDA is also upgrading civic infrastructure in vulnerable areas, including improvements of drainage systems and roads near Sarita Vihar underpass and in several sectors of Dwarka and Rohini.
