Delhi, 23 October (H.S.): Delhi Public Works Department (PWD) and Water Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh on Friday said the government would work to make the banks of other drains across the national capital greener, cleaner and safer, following the development model adopted along the Barapullah drain.

The minister made the announcement while chairing the 40th meeting of the Flood Control Board at the Delhi Secretariat. In a significant step towards addressing the recurring problems of waterlogging and flooding during the monsoon, the board approved various projects worth Rs 622 crore to strengthen Delhi’s drainage and flood-management infrastructure.

“Drains should not be associated with filth and neglect; they should become part of better urban development. Following the model adopted for developing the area along the Barapullah drain, we will work to make the banks of other drains across Delhi greener, cleaner and safer,” Parvesh Sahib Singh said.

The minister also stressed the need for scientific disposal of silt removed during drain-cleaning operations, noting that desilting would serve little purpose if the material were allowed to flow back into the drains. He said this had remained a persistent problem for years and that bioremediation and biomining techniques would be used to ensure the scientific processing and disposal of the accumulated silt, helping provide a lasting solution.

Among the key decisions, the board approved the construction of a 4.7-kilometre-long reinforced cement concrete (RCC) wall along a vulnerable stretch of the Yamuna, extending from the Magazine Road drain to the Old Railway Bridge. The project, estimated to cost Rs 99 crore, is intended to protect low-lying areas when the river’s water level rises.

Large quantities of silt are removed from Delhi’s drains every year during cleaning and desilting operations. However, its proper disposal has remained a major challenge. In the absence of adequate scientific processing facilities, the extracted material is often left along drain banks or on roads, where rainfall can wash it back into the drainage network. This undermines the effectiveness of cleaning operations and contributes to recurring blockages.

To address the problem, the board granted in-principle approval to three biomining projects worth Rs 260 crore for the scientific processing and disposal of silt collected from various drains across the city. The projects are expected to benefit major drainage channels, particularly the Najafgarh drain, where silt accumulation is substantial.

The meeting also discussed plans to beautify and develop the banks of drains across Delhi along the lines of the Barapullah model. The proposed improvements include pedestrian pathways, landscaped green spaces, plantation drives, adequate lighting and fencing to enhance public safety.

The initiative aims to transform neglected areas along drains, including locations vulnerable to encroachment, into cleaner, safer and more accessible public spaces.

The minister directed officials to complete the approved works within the stipulated timelines and ensure regular monitoring of project implementation.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar