India, March 16 -- The Public Works Department (PWD) has started the drain desilting exercise well before monsoon, officials familiar with the matter said, expecting the exercise to be completed by mid-June.

Following meetings with officials in this regard, Delhi PWD minister Parvesh Verma on Saturday inspected drainage construction work at Rohtak Road-a key road between Delhi and Haryana-and officials said the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will take control of it once the work is completed.

"We are already starting with the drain cleaning work in some zones and have set targets for 15 days, a month and two months. Once initial desilting is completed across the city by June 15, routine cleaning will also be frequently done...