Surpassing the first-phase target for desilting major drains ahead of the monsoon, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has removed over 1.77 lakh metric tonnes of silt from less than four feet deep drains across the city.
According to official data, the desilting figures, till June 25, suggest that the civic body removed 1,77,499 metric tonnes of silt from 793 major drains against the first-phase target of 1,41,003 metric tonnes, achieving 125.88 per cent of the target. The first phase of the exercise was to conclude by June 30.
According to officials, for smaller drains — less than four feet deep — the MCD removed 29,686.83 metric tonnes of silt against the phase-I target of 25,850.5 metric tonnes, achieving 114.84 per cent of the target.
Among the major drains, the Central Zone recorded one of the highest figures, removing 49,245.58 metric tonnes of silt against a target of 39,880.61 metric tonnes, while the West Zone exceeded its target by removing 17,840.18 metric tonnes against 13,410.01 metric tonnes.
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The Shahdara North Zone also crossed its target, removing 21,192.22 metric tonnes against 19,114.76 metric tonnes, while Shahdara South marginally exceeded its target with 12,772.91 metric tonnes of silt removed against a target of 12,765.28 metric tonnes.
The South Zone completed nearly 98 per cent of its target, removing 17,736.27 metric tonnes of silt against 18,181.54 metric tonnes, while the Najafgarh Zone achieved 98.42 per cent by removing 26,258.59 metric tonnes against a target of 26,680.13 metric tonnes.
Several smaller zones also reported progress beyond their targets. Civil Lines achieved 130.17 per cent of its target, Keshavpuram 121.74 per cent, Rohini 115.52 per cent, City-SP 109.85 per cent and Karol Bagh 102.17 per cent. Narela completed 99.85 per cent of its target.
Overall, the MCD has removed 1,77,498.98 metric tonnes of silt from major drains since January 1, compared with 1,36,489 metric tonnes during the corresponding period last year, reflecting a substantial increase in desilting work, the data suggests.
For drains below four feet in depth, Civil Lines recorded the highest figures at 178.72 per cent of its target, followed by South Shahdara at 200.85 per cent, Narela at 191.21 per cent and Central Zone at 154.81 per cent.
West Zone remained below its target for smaller drains, achieving 75.23 per cent, while South and Shahdara North completed 98.58 per cent and 97.96 per cent of their respective targets.
Officials said that the corporation carries out desilting in two phases every year, before and after the monsoon, to improve drainage and reduce the risk of waterlogging during heavy rainfall. The second phase of desilting is scheduled to continue from July 1 to December 31.
