Parvesh Verma inspects drainage projects in Delhi, launches new helpline

Verma, in a post on X, said that during his first departmental meeting, senior officials struggled to recall the existing 10-digit helpline number

Delhi Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Parvesh Verma conducted inspections across multiple constituencies on Saturday, reviewing sanitation and drainage projects ahead of the summer and monsoon seasons.

 

He also announced a new four-digit PWD helpline (1908) to streamline public grievance redressal.

 

Verma, in a post on X, stated that during his first departmental meeting, senior officials struggled to recall the existing 10-digit helpline number.

 

"Who can remember such a long number? Perhaps that's why the previous government chose it -- to ensure complaints weren't registered," he remarked. He then sought a four-digit alternative from the central government, which approved 1908.

 

 

The minister emphasised that citizens can now easily report PWD-related issues, while other essential helplines -- 1916 for water board complaints -- remain operational.

 

During his inspection, Verma strongly reprimanded officials, urging them to step out of their offices and personally assess civic issues, according to an official statement from the Minister's office.

 

"I don't want officials sitting in air-conditioned offices and making decisions based on files. Step out, look at the reality, and solve problems on the ground. People are tired of excuses -- they want results," he said.

 

During his visit to Trinagar constituency with local MLA Tilak Ram Gupta, Verma expressed disappointment over the lack of development in the area over the past decade. He directed officials to commence sewer cleaning work immediately and ensure its completion before the monsoon, ordering the deployment of advanced sewer cleaning machines.

 

The minister also announced that each assembly constituency would receive a dedicated sewer cleaning machine before the monsoon to enhance waste management.

 

Additionally, he took strict action after receiving complaints that an official was regularly intoxicated during duty hours, ordering the official's immediate transfer.

 

In another inspection at the Sahibi River and Najafgarh Drain in Madipur, along with MLA Kailash Gangwal, Verma reviewed an ongoing cleaning campaign. He took a boat ride to personally assess desilting operations and emphasized the need to revive Delhi's water bodies to prevent pollution and waterlogging.

 

"Work is progressing rapidly to revive Delhi's water sources. Soon, residents will benefit from clean water and a healthier environment," he said.

 

Verma also inaugurated a newly constructed PWD service road in Multan Nagar and Paschim Vihar, aiming to improve connectivity and ease traffic congestion. Later, he visited Meera Bagh jhuggi, engaging with residents and assuring them of timely solutions to their grievances.

 

The minister inspected the Main Uttam Nagar-Najafgarh Road, reviewing ongoing and upcoming infrastructure projects aimed at improving traffic movement and road conditions.

 

On Friday, Verma criticized PWD officials for their inefficiency, stating that officers had become thick-skinned over the past ten years. We are making them sweat in the field. They will have to burn their fat and do the job, he said.

 

The minister also suspended an executive engineer over poor desilting work near the Akshardham temple.

 

Reaffirming the government's commitment to modernizing Delhi's infrastructure, Verma said, "Delhi's infrastructure is our priority. Whether it's roads, sewer systems, or water bodies, we are ensuring fast and effective solutions for the people. Development will not remain just on paper -- it will be visible in every street, every drain, and every road of Delhi.