India, May 17 -- Chief minister Rekha Gupta on Friday set a May 31 deadline for completing the desilting of city drains as the government steps up monsoon preparedness efforts. Chairing a review meeting with minister Parvesh Verma and irrigation and flood control officials on Friday, she stressed the need for proper and eco-friendly disposal of silt removed during the process.

Desilting is key to preventing urban flooding during the monsoon, as clogged drains obstruct the natural flow of rainwater. Areas such as Minto Bridge, Pul Prahladpur underpass, the stretch of Ring Road opposite the WHO building, and the Zakhira Flyover have long faced waterlogging during heavy rain. The monsoon typically hits Delhi by late June.

So far, 66.29% of...