Govt working on ‘mission mode’ to prevent waterlogging: Parvesh

Parvesh Verma, Minister for Water and Public Works, on Saturday visited Sriniwaspuri and unveiled a series of immediate measures aimed at ending years of civic neglect in the area.

The minister announced that desilting of the main drain, blocked for years and a major cause of waterlogging, will begin soon. The work order would be issued within a week.

During his inspection, the minister highlighted how water up to four feet deep entered homes due to clogged drains last year. “The previous government and the local MLA (former CM) did nothing. We don’t look at whose constituency it is. Our aim is to work across all parts of Delhi,” he said.

To ensure accountability, officials have been directed to record videos of the drain cleaning process. “This will prevent delays and ensure actual progress on the ground,” he said.

Among the key instructions issued by the minister were desilting of the Sriniwaspuri drain starting from East of Kailash, cleaning of all construction and demolition (C&D) debris over ducts by April 19, raising the boundary wall with coil fencing to prevent encroachments and removal of existing encroachments. Police protection will be provided during construction to avoid disruptions and illegal drain connections to Delhi Jal Board (DJB) ducts will be disconnected.

South Delhi MP Ramesh Bidhuri and local councillor Rajpal Singh were also present during the inspection. They also interacted with residents and praised the government’s quick response and clear action plan.

As part of pre-monsoon preparations, Verma said the government was working on “mission mode” to prevent waterlogging in vulnerable areas. Desilting of major drains is being prioritised and closely monitored.

In a bid to tackle irregularities in water tanker services, the minister also announced that DJB tankers will now be equipped with GPS, sensors and flow meters. “This will help us track if the tanker actually reaches the destination and whether it discharges water. The tanker mafia will no longer be able to operate unchecked,” he said.

Payments to tanker operators will now be linked to real-time data, ensuring water is delivered as promised. “Our focus is to ensure that people receive water on time, especially in the scorching summer,” the minister said.

The Delhi Government, he added, was committed to using technology and transparency to resolve both water scarcity and waterlogging – two of the city’s most pressing civic challenges.

Delhi