Delhi ill-prepared to prevent flooding of roads during rains

New Delhi, June 26: Delhi roads may see water-logging and a flood-like situation this monsoon season as the civic agencies here are much behind their schedule of pre-monsoon preparations, suggests an official report.

According to the latest report from the Public Works Department (PWD), desilting of only 27 per cent of the city drains has been done till now. The deadline for the desilting of drains is June 30 and of the total 1,034 roads, only 277 sites across the city have been cleared, the PWD said. The department had not completed even 25 per cent of desilting work at 40 per cent sites (419 out of 1,034) until June 21.

The situation is particularly alarming in the North Zone where only 18 per cent desilting has been completed. Of the total 466 sites, only 86 sites have been completely cleared, while at 222 sites, the department has not been able to do even 25 per cent work. The East Zone is also in a bad shape, with only 20 per cent of desilting work completed. In the East Zone, with a total of 312 roads, only 63 sites have been completely cleared. The work is, however, going on in full swing, with Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Monday urging the authorities to ensure the cleaning of drains at the earliest and also suggested use of modern technology for the purpose. (IANS)