Govt deploys trash skimmer machines at Najafgarh drain

In a significant push to tackle pollution at its source and strengthen urban flood management, the Delhi Government on Saturday deployed two advanced dual-purpose weed harvester-cum-trash skimmer machines at Najafgarh Drain, a major contributor of pollutants flowing into the Yamuna.

The machines were formally inaugurated and flagged off by Public Works Department (PWD) and Irrigation & Flood Control (I&FC) Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh, marking a shift toward technology-driven solutions in addressing the Capital’s long-standing water pollution challenges.

The drain has historically carried large volumes of floating waste, invasive aquatic weeds and untreated pollutants into the Yamuna, worsening the river’s already critical pollution levels. Officials said the deployment aims to intercept and remove this waste before it reaches the river, thereby reducing the overall pollutant load while also improving the city’s drainage efficiency.

The newly deployed machines are powered by 112 HP engines and come with a storage capacity of approximately 14 cubic meters. Designed using marine-grade steel, the machines are capable of operating in varied water conditions, including shallow stretches. Equipped with a dual weed-cutting mechanism, the machines can efficiently cut and remove dense aquatic vegetation such as water hyacinth, along with floating debris.

An advanced conveyor system enables continuous harvesting and unloading, ensuring faster and uninterrupted cleaning operations. Officials noted that this will significantly enhance the speed and effectiveness of drain maintenance compared to conventional methods.

The project, undertaken at a combined cost of Rs 2.90 crore, reflects a broader move towards modernising civic infrastructure through indigenous, technology-led interventions. The authorities confirmed that the machines are fully operational and ready for immediate deployment following the inauguration.

Speaking at the event, Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh said, “Cleaning Najafgarh Drain is directly linked to cleaning the Yamuna. We are now using modern, made-in-India machines aligned with the vision of Swachh Bharat to deliver real, visible change. These dual-purpose harvesters are not just machines- they represent technology-led governance in action.”

He said: “Built on a stable catamaran design and equipped with a dual weed-cutting system, these machines can efficiently remove weeds and floating waste in one go. This ensures continuous cleaning, better water flow and reduced waterlogging. Our focus is clear-efficient systems, effective execution, and outcomes that people can see on the ground.”

Officials emphasised that beyond routine desilting and cleaning, the deployment is expected to play a critical role in flood preparedness ahead of the monsoon season. By ensuring smoother water flow and reducing blockages, the initiative could help mitigate waterlogging in vulnerable areas across the city.

The move signals a transition from reactive clean-up measures to proactive, technology-backed governance — with the aim of achieving long-term improvements in both urban drainage systems and the ecological health of the Yamuna.