New Delhi: With an eye on preventing monsoon-related disruptions, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) commissioner Sanjeev Khirwar chaired a high-level review meeting on preparedness measures, focusing on desilting of drains, pumping arrangements, planning for waterlogging-prone areas and expediting road redevelopment works.The commissioner directed all zones to complete desilting of drains by May 31 and submit completion certificates within stipulated timelines. For drains measuring 4 feet or more in width or depth, certificates must be submitted by executive engineers and superintending engineers by June 5. Smaller drains will require certification from sanitation superintendents. All reports, countersigned by the respective deputy commissioners, will be sent to MCD headquarters for review, officials said.“Desilting must be carried out for all drains falling within a zone’s geographical limits, irrespective of whether they are located in unauthorized colonies, resettlement colonies, villages, lal dora areas, drains crossing PWD roads or passing through green zones under DDA or other agencies. This is aimed at fixing clear accountability for any waterlogging during the rains,” the commissioner said.To strengthen pumping infrastructure, zonal officers were directed to complete operation and maintenance contracts for pumping stations, the hiring of pumps with manpower and the procurement of accessories by April 30.All 465 portable pumps must be repaired, serviced and deployed by May 15, while permanent pumping stations are to remain functional round the clock from June 1 to Sept 30.Khirwar also stressed the need for advance planning for waterlogging-prone locations, particularly areas identified by Delhi Traffic Police, and called for seamless coordination between MCD and other civic agencies.To improve emergency response during the monsoon, ward-level Quick Response Teams comprising labour, tools, vehicles and machinery will be operational from June 1. In addition, zonal control rooms will function round the clock from June 1 to Sept 30 to receive complaints, document grievances and ensure timely redressal.Special focus has been placed on vulnerable underpasses and road under bridges (RUB). The civil and engineering wings of City SP Zone, Rohini Zone and Narela Zone have been specifically instructed to prevent waterlogging at RUBs in Kishan Ganj, Mangol Puri, Siraspur and Mundka through deep desilting of connected channels and drains.The commissioner also emphasized public participation, asking officials to regularly brief resident welfare associations, market associations and public representatives during desilting operations. Ward-level WhatsApp groups will be created to share daily progress updates.Further, silt removed from drains must be shifted to designated dumping sites within three to five days, failing which it could lead to dust pollution and traffic disruption, officials said.
