Delhi intensifies monsoon preparations, targeting encroachments and drainage issues .
NEW DELHI: Following the season’s first pre-monsoon shower, the newly elected Delhi Government has intensified its efforts to ensure the national capital is fully prepared for the upcoming monsoon. Taking a proactive approach to strengthen Delhi’s infrastructure and clear public pathways of encroachments, Delhi PWD Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh held a key video conferencing session with all District Magistrates (DMs) across the city. The meeting, conducted from the Secretariat, was attended by senior PWD officials and aimed to develop a coordinated, time-bound action plan. Stressing the urgency of the matter, Singh reminded attendees that the monsoon is rapidly approaching, and any negligence at this stage could lead to severe waterlogging, traffic bottlenecks, and public health issues. He announced that such coordination meetings would be convened weekly at the Secretariat to monitor and ensure real-time progress. “ E n c r o ach m e nt s o n public land are not only unlawful but also inhumane—especially during the monsoon season when obstructed drains and narrowed roads can escalate into full-blown disasters,” the Minister stated. The central theme of the meeting revolved around clearing illegal encroachments from PWD roads and footpaths while intensifying the ongoing cleanliness initiative under the special monsoon readiness campaign. Singh made it clear that although PWD roads fall under his department’s jurisdiction, this effort requires seamless collaboration among various agencies, including the district administration, Delhi Police, MCD, and other civic bodies. He instructed all District Magistrates to carry out joint operations with the STF (Special Task Force) and DTF (District Task Force) to ensure that public spaces are vacated without delay. While PWD roads are the focus, the Minister stressed that successful implementation hinges on the synchronised action of all administrative units. “Only through unified efforts can we achieve visible results,” he said. Singh expressed serious concern over the growing number of public complaints regarding unauthorised parking, roadside encroachments, and unlicensed kiosks obstructing footpaths and roads maintained by the PWD. He reiterated that such obstructions not only disrupt pedestrian flow but also hamper emergency services, sanitation, and drainage management during the rainy season. “All personnel—whether from PWD, MCD, Delhi Police, or district teams—must function not as isolated departments but as a single mission-driven force. Public spaces in Delhi belong to its people. It is our responsibility to restore them from chaos and neglect,” he concluded. The Minister also urged citizens to extend their cooperation throughout the campaign and support field teams in their efforts.