Delhi Takes Action with Floating Skimmers and Drain Desilting to Protect Yamuna River
In a significant move to address water pollution and flooding concerns, the Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC) department of Delhi has implemented a multi-faceted strategy targeting the Yamuna River and its tributary drains. The department has deployed six advanced floating skimmers on the Yamuna and the Najafgarh drain, while also installing floating pontoons on 12 additional drains across the city.
Surface Cleaning and Waste Removal Initiatives
The newly deployed skimmers and weed harvesters are specifically engineered to remove floating rubbish and invasive aquatic weeds from the water surface. This technology plays a crucial role in maintaining water quality and preventing blockages. Currently, four skimmers are actively operating on the Yamuna River itself, with the remaining two machines stationed at the Ghazipur and Najafgarh drains. These drains are recognized as major sources of waste that contribute significantly to the pollution levels in the Yamuna.
The primary objective of these machines is to substantially reduce the volume of floating solid waste that ultimately reaches the Yamuna, thereby mitigating environmental degradation and improving the river's ecological health.
Comprehensive Desilting Efforts Ahead of Monsoon
Parallel to the surface cleaning operations, the department undertook extensive desilting of major drains throughout Delhi in preparation for the 2025 monsoon season. This large-scale effort resulted in the removal of approximately 18.5 lakh tonnes of silt, which had accumulated over years of neglect. The I&FC department is responsible for maintaining 57 stormwater drains, including critical ones like the Najafgarh and Shahdara drains that discharge directly into the Yamuna.
Additionally, the department recently took over the cleaning and maintenance of 20 more outfall drains, such as the Barapullah drain, which also empty into the Yamuna. Many of these drains had not been properly desilted for an extended period, leading to persistent issues with waterlogging and increased pollution levels.
Minister Highlights Success in Flood Management
Parvesh Verma, the Minister for Irrigation and Flood Control, emphasized the tangible benefits of these pre-monsoon preparations. "The impact of largescale desilting was clearly visible during the 2025 monsoon, when the Yamuna reached 207.48 metres—the third-highest flood level ever recorded in Delhi. Despite this extreme water level, we successfully managed the situation without major waterlogging in areas covered by the department's drains. The absence of significant waterlogging in the catchment areas of our drains is a direct result of the extensive desilting work carried out before the monsoon," Verma stated.
Infrastructure Projects for Enhanced Flood Protection
To further strengthen flood protection measures along the Yamuna, the department has initiated the construction of a protective wall along the river's right bank, stretching from the Old Railway Bridge (ORB) to Majnu Ka Tila. This project is designed to prevent overflow during periods of high discharge from upstream areas, such as the Hathnikund Barrage in Haryana, which frequently causes sudden and dangerous rises in the river level.
According to an annual report released by the department, the government has also launched topographical and bathymetric surveys of the Yamuna from Palla to Jaitpur. Utilizing advanced instruments like sonar and electronic survey systems, these surveys aim to map the riverbed comprehensively. The data gathered will help identify specific areas where silt accumulation reduces the river's carrying capacity, guiding future dredging and river management measures.
Part of a Larger Urban Flood Management Plan
These initiatives are integral components of a comprehensive Rs 956-crore urban flood management plan. This ambitious plan includes not only the current projects but also the construction of trunk drains and additional flood protection works. By combining immediate actions like skimmer deployment and desilting with long-term infrastructure development, Delhi aims to create a more resilient and sustainable water management system, addressing both pollution control and flood mitigation in a holistic manner.
