Delhi Gears Up for Flood Response as LG Saxena Reviews Preparedness

Delhi LG VK Saxena led a DDMA meeting on flood preparedness, urging agencies to desilt drains and clear encroachments amid heavy waterlogging. The review included the Munak Canal breach and emphasized debris removal from the Yamuna floodplains. Temporary pumps installation and continuous monitoring of flood-prone areas were highlighted.

Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena chaired a crucial meeting of the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) on Thursday to assess flood control measures across the capital. He directed agencies to begin immediate desilting of drains and removal of encroachments, following widespread waterlogging incidents. Delhi Water Minister Atishi was in attendance.

Saxena was briefed about the Munak Canal breach in North West Delhi, especially affecting the Bawana area. The Delhi Jal Board CEO reported that urgent repairs were underway and expected to be completed by Friday evening. Saxena urged the Irrigation & Flood Control Department (I&FCD), Public Works Department (PWD), Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), and New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) to complete extensive desilting of all drains by June 15 and to urgently clear choked drains.

The LG instructed the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to coordinate with construction agencies for debris removal from the Yamuna floodplains to ensure unobstructed water flow. DDA representatives assured that most machinery and debris had been cleared. A thorough inspection of the Yamuna River is scheduled for July 13, 2024. The PWD, Railways, and National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) were asked to expedite debris removal.

Saxena highlighted the criticality of clearing the construction and demolition waste near Signature Bridge. NDRF teams equipped with over 100 boats are already deployed around Delhi for rescue operations. Agencies were also tasked with installing permanent and temporary pumps at vulnerable locations and continuously monitoring waterlogged hotspots such as Monastery Market and Nigam Bodh Ghat from the Central Control Room.

The Health Department was instructed to prepare hospitals for possible flood-related diseases, while the Revenue Department and local district magistrates were asked to plan for the evacuation of approximately 25,000 people in low-lying areas as the Yamuna water levels rise. (ANI)