Delhi PWD Minister takes stock of monsoon preparedness

Taking stock of the Capital’s preparedness for the upcoming monsoon, Delhi PWD Minister Parvesh Verma on Tuesday chaired a high-level video-conferencing meeting with all District Magistrates (DMs) to strategise on clearing encroachments and strengthening the ongoing cleanliness drive. The meeting, held at the Delhi Secretariat, also saw participation from senior PWD officials.

Verma emphasised that while the PWD is responsible for maintaining city roads and footpaths, effective execution requires seamless coordination between civic bodies, Delhi Police and district administrations. He instructed all DMs to carry out swift joint operations with the Special Task Force (STF) and District Task Force (DTF) to reclaim public spaces, particularly those under PWD’s jurisdiction.

Rising complaints of illegal parking, kiosks and street-side encroachments prompted the minister to underline the urgency of the campaign.

“Encroachments are not just illegal. These are inhuman during the monsoon, when blocked drains and narrowed roads pose real dangers,” Verma said, warning that any negligence could lead to flooding, traffic snarls and health risks.

To ensure accountability, the minister announced that weekly review meetings would be conducted at the Secretariat level to monitor real-time progress. He also urged all departments to work in synergy as “one mission force” and appealed to citizens to support the drive.

The campaign, part of a broader monsoon preparedness initiative, aims to make public pathways safer, improve drainage and enhance the overall urban environment before the rains set in. A follow-up review is scheduled next week to evaluate the implementation status of Monday’s directives.