L-G, Rekha inspect drains to intensify Yamuna cleaning

To intensify the cleaning of the Yamuna, Lieutenant Governor (L-G) VK Saxena and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday conducted a joint inspection of the city’s major drains that flow into the river. Cabinet Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh also accompanied them during the visit.

Gupta said to combat pollution and prevent waterlogging ahead of the monsoon in Delhi, desilting work at all 22 major drains connected to the Yamuna was progressing rapidly. The inspection of these drains was now being conducted every 15 days.

“This is not just a technical process but a committed effort to restore the Yamuna’s ecological balance,” she said.

They also visited the supplementary drain at Wazirabad, Barapula drain, Kushak drain, Sunhari Bridge drain and Najafgarh drain. Gupta criticised the previous government for neglecting on-ground monitoring. She said: “We are actively supervising work at site to ensure visible and timely results.”

L-G Saxena stressed the need for coordinated and transparent efforts across departments to address chronic waterlogging and improve urban infrastructure. “This is about ensuring a better quality of life for Delhiites,” he said.

In a key announcement, CM Gupta revealed plans to convert a 50-acre plot in Vipin Garden, Uttam Nagar, into a grand public park with riverfront development along the Sahibi river. The project aims to enhance urban green spaces and promote sustainability.

Senior officials from the MCD, PWD, DJB, NDMC and other key departments were present during the inspection.