The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) undertook a specialised desilting drive under the directions of Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu to clear a major underground trunk outfall drain in Rohini, removing 10,000 metric tonne (t) of accumulated silt and waste. Continuous wastewater flow and heavy silt deposition had severely choked the underground pipelines, substantially reducing the drain's carrying capacity. Conventional desilting methods proved ineffective owing to the confined nature and large diameter of the underground pipelines, prompting the use of high-capacity super suckers and jetting machines.

High-pressure water jetting was used to loosen compacted silt, which was then extracted through powerful vacuum suction equipment. The work was executed in a planned and phased manner with all necessary safety measures in place. The initiative will restore the carrying capacity of the drainage network and ensure the smooth flow of storm water during the monsoon while reducing the risk of waterlogging in the area.

The trunk outfall drain, constructed between 1995 and 1998, comprises a combination of three, four and five parallel 2200 mm diameter reinforced cement concrete (RCC) pipelines at different reaches. It carries storm water and discharge from Sectors 20, 21, 22 and 23 of Rohini, along with parts of Kirari and Begumpur, making it one of the major drainage corridors in the locality. On completion the project will restore the original carrying capacity of the drainage network and facilitate smoother storm water movement across the catchment.

The DDA has completed desilting of storm water drains in the East, South and North zones, while works in Narela, Rohini and Dwarka are in the final stages of completion. Undertaken in mission mode, the extensive drive has accelerated field level execution and enabled regular monitoring of drainage system progress. The authority indicated that the combined measures will significantly reduce flooding risks and improve resilience during intense rainfall.