New Delhi, March 6 -- Buried beneath layers of sludge and neglect, the Najafgarh drain, once the Sahibi river, has emerged as a critical fault line in Delhi's flood control and pollution management system. A government-commissioned bathymetric survey has found that over 150 sub-drains from Delhi and Gurugram empty into the 57km channel, while nearly 9.1 million cubic metres of silt have accumulated on its bed. Officials say the findings have laid bare the scale of deterioration and are now guiding an ambitious clean-up under "Mission Sahibi". A senior official from the Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC) department said they have begun desilting heavily clogged stretches on priority. "The objective is to ensure unobstructed flow of rainwater and reduce the risk of waterlogging. Additionally, drain banks are being upgraded and strengthened, enhancing structural stability. This campaign runs for over 13 hours daily and involves the use of amphibious excavators," the official said. The project is aimed at reducing waterlogging in catchment areas such as Dwarka, Matiala, Palam, Uttam Nagar, Mundka, Janakpuri and Vikaspuri. The immediate focus is the stretch between Ambrahi Bridge and Kakrola Village Bridge. Officials said embankments are also being strengthened. The Najafgarh drain contributes nearly 70% of the wastewater entering the Yamuna in Delhi, making its restoration central to the larger river rejuvenation effort. htc...