Delhi CM warns officials of any negligence during monsoon season

Chief minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday warned officials that negligence regarding waterlogging during the monsoon season would not be tolerated.

While heading the apex committee of the Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC) department to review the preparedness of various departments for the upcoming monsoon season and potential flood situation, the chief minister directed that a nodal officer be appointed for every identified waterlogging point in Delhi, with clearly defined responsibilities.

“If waterlogging occurs in any area, the concerned officer will be held accountable. All departments should keep their teams on alert and remain prepared to deal with any emergency during the monsoon,” Gupta said.

She said equipment used for relief and rescue operations should be inspected in accordance with prescribed checklists. Departments were also instructed to make adequate arrangements for the safe evacuation of people in the event of flooding, she said.

I&FC officials said the department has exceeded its desilting target for this year.

“More than 30 lakh metric tonnes of silt have been removed from 77 drains, including 22 major drains, while the remaining work is continuing on a war footing,” an official said.

The department has also developed a new digital system that will provide real-time information on water released from the Hathnikund Barrage, water flow in the Palla area and the Yamuna’s water level.

The chief minister said compared to the previous year, the number of pumps — including permanent, mobile and tractor-mounted units — has increased to over 243.

“The number of boats available for emergencies has been increased to 41. In addition, 31 motorboat engines and 12 boat-carriage trolleys have been made available,” she said.

The I&FC department has formed joint inspection committees with the Public Works Department and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to ensure that no obstructions to drainage exist at junction points where drains maintained by different agencies meet.