Delhi government to strengthen roads, construct drains before monsoon

The Delhi government's Public Works Department (PWD) will carry out strengthening of several roads and construct drains in various areas in the national capital.

These works come before the commencement of the rainy season during which the city often witnesses waterlogging on roads.

The department has approved nearly Rs 4.93 crore for executing the work of strengthening of roads and construction of foothpaths and drains in various areas.

The administrative approval has been given for strengthening of various roads, foothpaths and drains at the Authority Road, Jankapuri, strengthening of Vedic Marg from Tihar Crossing to the community hall, 82 Block Sabzi Mandi Road, Najafgarh to Rajouri Garden (A-71) and among others.

"The officials concerned have been asked to ensure before awarding works that if any drain work comes under the jurisdiction of the PWD, design and execution of the same should be adequate and it should also be ensured that waterlogging does not take place," an official said.

The official said tenders will soon be invited for executing the works under the approved cost.

"It will also be ensured that all the payments to contractors should made through digital mode," the official said.

The principal chief engineer or the chief engineer will submit quarterly monitoring report of the projects, the official added.

Ahead of the monsoon, the PWD has set a target to complete the de-silting works by June 15.

Delhiites have to face waterlogging problem every monsoon.

There are around 165 major drains in the city.

Last year, the de-silting of drains had caused tussle between the government and bureaucracy, with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal seeking action against the then PWD Secretary Ashwani Kumar for not obeying his order over de-silting of drains.

(PTI)