Delhi LG Orders Comprehensive Monthly Inspections to Curb Civic Infrastructure Collapse

Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena has instructed Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar to ensure monthly inspections by senior officers following the monsoon-related civic infrastructure collapse. The inspections aim to address issues such as desilting drains and choked sewer lines, with a focus on hands-on management and the implementation of corrective measures.

Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena has mandated Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar to provide a monthly report that outlines the inspections conducted by senior officers following the recent monsoon-induced civic infrastructure failures, officials revealed on Monday.

In a formal correspondence to the chief secretary, Ashish Kundra, principal secretary to Saxena, emphasized the need for an institutionalized inspection mechanism. This would enable senior officers to assess core issues firsthand and implement necessary corrective measures. Kundra highlighted that the situation has not gone unnoticed by the Delhi High Court, which has criticized the poor state of drain desilting in the city.

Saxena attributed the recent infrastructure collapse to endemic neglect and inadequate senior management oversight. He instructed that all officers, including heads of departments, draw inspection schedules and submit reports summarizing issues and recommended corrective actions. These inspections, set to occur weekly or fortnightly based on the officer's rank, must include geo-tagged photographic evidence. The measures aim to ensure comprehensive supervision and resolution of civic issues across Delhi's varied settlements.

(With inputs from agencies.)