Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday declared a "zero-tolerance" approach to waterlogging, directing officials to personally inspect vulnerable locations and resolve complaints within fixed timelines. Chairing the District Development Committee Apex Committee at the Delhi Secretariat, Gupta reviewed monsoon preparedness, progress of Mission Kayakalp for school upgrades, and arrangements for the upcoming Kanwar Yatra.
On-ground monitoring ordered for waterlogging hotspots
Gupta instructed officials to move beyond office-based monitoring and visit flood-prone areas. She emphasized that pumps should be deployed at waterlogging hotspots, drains cleaned, and drainage links restored without delay. The meeting identified vulnerable locations including Baljeet Nagar, Patel Nagar, Sangam Vihar, Bawana, Kirari, Patparganj, Laxmi Nagar, Krishna Nagar, and Mandawali. Officials were asked to prepare time-bound action plans for pending projects.
"The public is not concerned with whether an area falls under the PWD, MCD, Delhi Jal Board or DDA. They only want a permanent solution," Gupta said, directing departments to carry out joint inspections wherever multiple agencies are involved.
Mission Kayakalp: Focus on basic infrastructure
On education, Gupta reviewed work under Mission Kayakalp, where district magistrates were tasked with transforming two of the most dilapidated government schools in their districts during the summer vacation. She appreciated district administrations that created new libraries, STEM and science laboratories, smart classrooms, renovated toilets, and improved drinking water facilities. She specially commended the district magistrates of Outer North, North-East, and New Delhi for their work.
Gupta stressed that the exercise should not be limited to cosmetic improvements and directed officials to prioritize basic infrastructure such as clean toilets, drinking water, furniture, laboratories, and libraries.
Kanwar Yatra preparations reviewed
Reviewing preparations for the Kanwar Yatra, Gupta instructed all district magistrates to coordinate with registered Kanwar camp organizers and ensure adequate arrangements for drinking water, sanitation, electricity, medical facilities, and traffic management.
Other directives: UDAY camps, encroachment drives, plantation
Gupta also directed officials to organize PM UDAY registration camps across unauthorised colonies ahead of the October 31 deadline. She reviewed progress of mini secretariats, rainwater harvesting projects, weekly public grievance hearings, cleanliness drives, and cooling zones. The Chief Minister further instructed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi to intensify drives against encroachments on footpaths and called for wider participation in the government's plantation campaign targeting seven lakh saplings. She directed departments to expand green cover along road medians and vacant stretches to help curb dust pollution.
Accountability fixed
Emphasizing accountability, Gupta said every official would be personally responsible for the implementation of Mission Kayakalp, effective monsoon management, and smooth conduct of the Kanwar Yatra.
