Public Works Division (PWD) minister Parvesh Verma on Saturday blamed the previous Aam Aadmi Celebration (AAP) authorities for failing to desilt drains, leading to power waterlogging throughout Delhi. He pledged that every one drains within the metropolis could be cleaned inside a month.
Verma mentioned desilting of main drains has been prioritised by the Delhi authorities. (PTI)
Throughout an inspection in Sriniwaspuri, south Delhi—an space with repeated complaints of flooding—Verma mentioned the primary drain had remained clogged for years, with final yr’s backflow inundating a number of houses.
“The previous government and the local MLA, who was also the former chief minister, did absolutely nothing. But we don’t care whose constituency it is—our goal is to work across Delhi. We’re in mission mode to ensure all drains are cleaned within a month,” Verma mentioned.
He added {that a} work order for desilting the Sriniwaspuri drain could be issued inside per week and cleansing would start instantly. Officers have been instructed to video file the method to make sure transparency.
Verma directed the Municipal Company of Delhi (MCD) to start desilting from the drain’s origin level close to East of Kailash, whereas the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) was requested to clear particles and building waste from ducts by 19 April. The district Justice of the Peace was tasked with eradicating encroachments, and PWD was instructed to make sure that no drains had been illegally linked to DJB ducts.
“The PWD will also raise the boundary wall and install coil fencing over the culvert to prevent encroachment. Police have been asked to provide protection during construction,” he mentioned.
Verma mentioned desilting of main drains has been prioritised by the Delhi authorities, alongside measures to sort out waterlogging and shortages throughout peak summer season and monsoon.
“Beyond GPS, we’re installing sensors and flow metres in all water tankers to monitor them in real time. This will confirm whether tankers reach their destination and discharge water. There used to be massive irregularities—the tanker mafia was active. Now, payments will only be made if water is delivered properly,” he added.
Nonetheless, the go to noticed political pushback. AAP chief Atishi shared a video on X (previously Twitter) exhibiting ladies protesting towards BJP governance throughout Verma’s go to to Sriniwaspuri. “For the last one and a half months, dirty water has been coming in Sriniwaspuri. Today, when water minister Pravesh Verma came to the area, the police pushed away the people. Why are BJP ministers so afraid to meet common people?” she wrote.
AAP spokesperson Adil Ahmed Khan additionally criticised the minister on X, saying: “Within just two months, Delhiites have lost faith in the BJP government. Troubled by power cuts, women in Sriniwaspuri fiercely protested against minister Pravesh Verma. Seeing the public’s anger, he fled the spot.”
In an announcement, AAP claimed that when residents realized of Verma’s go to, they tried to method him however had been blocked by police. Many ladies reportedly carried bottles of soiled water to indicate the minister the contamination of their provide.
Verma didn’t reply to the allegations.