Foul odour from Defence Colony drain due to sewage: MCD

New Delhi: MCD, which is desilting the covered portion of Defence Colony drain, has informed National Green Tribunal that the foul odour emanating from the drain is due to untreated sewage being discharged into the stormwater drain, which is primarily designed for carrying rainwater.

Out of 1,300 metres of the covered portion of Defence Colony drain, MCD removed silt from the first segment of 630 metres while work is underway in the remaining section.

In a report dated July 4, CAQM said, "Defence Colony drain is originally a stormwater drain and the issue of foul smell and sewage inflow can only be resolved through sewer intersection and redirection, which falls under the jurisdiction of DJB. It is imperative to stop the illegal connection and diversion of sewage into this stormwater drain, to restore the intended use as a rainwater channel."

The desilting work of the covered 1,300-metre stretch of Defence Colony drain is being executed using the longitudinal opening method, i.e., cut-skip-cut methodology, wherein the RCC slabs are demolished in segments over the drain, leaving the alternate sections intact temporarily. MCD said the first segment comprising 0 to 630 metres from the outfall of the drain is complete in all aspects—desilting of this portion has also been completed, including the removal of silt from the site.

"In the second segment comprising the next 670 metres (from 630 to 1,300 metres), the demolition is carried out for an additional 670 metres, the reinforcement cutting is completed, and the desilting work is approximately 80% complete. The heavy water flow at the upstream side caused major obstruction to the desilting process, which is currently under execution and is progressing as per schedule," said the report. It added that the desilted material is regularly transported to the Okhla dumpsite and 7,480 MT of silt has been shifted.

MCD in its report added that the remaining 20% shall be completed as per schedule, and the approved methodology and safety protocols.