SDMC gets 12 new machines for cleaning drains, seeks to end manual scavenging

Twelve new truck mounted suction-cum-jetting machines were today flagged off by the South Delhi mayor to boost storm drain-cleaning and de-silting capabilities of the SDMC during the monsoon season, officials today said.

With this, the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) now has 16 such machines.

"The inhumane manual scavenging will also be discontinued as these machines become operational," the civic body said in a statement.

"These machines are capable of de-silting and cleaning the storm drains, mixed-water drains and culverts. Filthy water, sludge and slurry, which obstruct the flow of water through drains can be prevented with the assistance of these machines," it said.

The 12 machines have been procured at a cost of Rs 6.43 cr, the civic body said.

The measure is significant from the sanitation point of view as stagnant water in drains can lead to the spread of diseases such as malaria.

SDMC Commissioner P K Goel said the civic body was in possession of four such machines, but they were not sufficient to meet the requirements.

"These new machines being a single-truck unit will be able to enter narrow roads and lanes to effectively carry out the difficult work of flushing and de-chocking," he said.

The flagging-off event took place at Janakpuri, where both mayor Narender Chawla and Goel were present.

Three machines each will be provided to the four zones -- Najafgarh, South, Central and West -- whereas the rest four will be stationed at the SDMC headquarters at the Civic Centre to tackle urgent requirements during heavy rains and thunderstorms, the SDMC said.

Earlier, narrow lanes and roads used to remain unattended through conventional means on account of safety and other aspect, it said.