Desilting of drains: Erring officials to face the music

The Delhi Assembly on Monday passed a resolution to take action against erring officials following the recommendations of the Petition Committee.

Delhi Public Works Department Minister Satyendar Jain also advocated action against his department’s officials who failed to perform pre-monsoon works.

Replying to a discussion on the report of the Petition Committee, which found numerous irregularities in desilting of drains and other pre-monsoon work by the PWD and civic bodies, Jain said he had held meetings with the PWD officials, civic bodies regarding effective implementation of the pre-monsoon measures.

“In a meeting with the LG, civic bodies have said 95 per cent of the drains have been cleaned but the reality was different. If PWD officials got inspired from the MCD and did not perform their work properly, then I am in support of the action against them as recommended by the committee,” Jain told the house.

He, however, subtly hit out at the central government and alleged: “Several officials of the PWD – concerning pre-monsoon works – were transferred just before the monsoon which adversely affected the works.”

The house also resolved for an ‘Action Taken Report’ on the implementation of recommendations of the Petition Committee’s report within 30 days beginning on Monday.