The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has set a target to remove 1.41 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of silt from drains across the city before the onset of the monsoon, as part of its annual desilting drive aimed at preventing waterlogging.According to officials, the exercise is already underway and is scheduled to be completed by June 30, a deadline aligned with the city’s broader monsoon preparedness plan.

The large-scale operation will cover hundreds of major and minor drains across Delhi’s 12 zones. Civic authorities say clearing accumulated silt is critical to ensuring smooth water flow during heavy rains, as clogged drains have historically been a major cause of flooding in several parts of the capital.

The desilting drive comes amid renewed focus on tackling Delhi’s chronic waterlogging problem. During a recent review meeting, officials stressed the need for coordinated action among multiple agencies, including the MCD, Public Works Department (PWD), and other civic bodies, to ensure timely completion of the work.Authorities are also identifying waterlogging hotspots and deploying additional resources in vulnerable areas. Special attention is being given to low-lying zones and underpasses that frequently witness flooding during the monsoon season.

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The MCD has issued strict guidelines for the operation, including timely lifting and disposal of the removed silt to prevent it from being washed back into drains. Monitoring mechanisms are also being strengthened, with senior officials tasked with overseeing progress at the zonal level.The target of 1.41 lakh MT reflects a calibrated approach based on previous years’ data. In 2025, the civic body had removed significantly higher quantities of silt, exceeding its initial targets, indicating both the scale of the challenge and the need for sustained efforts.

Experts note that while desilting is an essential pre-monsoon activity, long-term solutions such as improving drainage infrastructure and reducing waste dumping into drains are equally important. Blockages caused by plastic and debris continue to undermine the effectiveness of such drives.With the monsoon approaching, the success of this exercise will be closely watched, as timely desilting remains one of the most crucial factors in preventing widespread waterlogging and ensuring smoother urban functioning during heavy rains in the national capital.

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