Pravesh Wahi is the Mayor of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and is recognised as an experienced public representative and administrator in Delhi’s local governance system. Prior to becoming Mayor, he held the position of Leader of the House in the MCD and contributed significantly to fostering effective coordination between the corporation, elected representatives, and the organisation.
A graduate of the University of Delhi, Wahi has been associated with the ideology of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the activities of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) since 1980. After being elected as a Municipal Councillor for the first time in 2007, Wahi represented various wards in the Rohini area and consistently prioritised public service. During his long tenure in the Municipal Corporation, Wahi served as a Zone Chairman on three occasions. He also served as the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the North Delhi Municipal Corporation during 2016-17, where he played a crucial role in strengthening the corporation’s financial and administrative systems. In an exclusive interview with Nikhil Vyas, Wahi spoke about demolition and sealing actions, sanitation systems across Delhi, and monsoon preparedness. Excerpts:
Q : After the collapse of a multi-storey building in Saket, which claimed six lives, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has intensified its crackdown on illegal structures and unauthorised constructions across all municipal zones. Can you elaborate on the actions taken by the civic body in this regard?
A: The tragic incident in Saket has reinforced the need for strict enforcement against unauthorised constructions and unsafe buildings. Following the incident, the MCD launched a city-wide inspection and enforcement drive across all zones. Special teams have been constituted to identify illegal constructions, unauthorised additions, and buildings that violate sanctioned plans. Demolition and sealing actions are being carried out wherever violations are detected, in accordance with legal provisions. From June 1 to June 23, demolitions were carried out in 334 properties and 302 properties have been sealed. Building Department officials have been directed to conduct regular inspections and ensure prompt action against offenders. We are also reviewing vulnerable structures and strengthening coordination among various departments to prevent such incidents in the future. Public safety remains our highest priority, and there will be zero tolerance towards illegal construction activities.
Q: How is the MCD strengthening sanitation systems across Delhi?
A : The MCD is committed to strengthening sanitation systems across the city through a comprehensive and technology-driven approach. Under the “Swachh Delhi, Harit Delhi” campaign, we have intensified mechanised road sweeping, door-to-door waste collection, source segregation of waste, and scientific disposal of municipal solid waste. Sanitation monitoring has been strengthened through regular inspections, zonal reviews, and digital tracking mechanisms. We are also focusing on improving public sanitation infrastructure by upgrading public toilets, increasing the deployment of sanitation workers, and ensuring timely waste lifting. Community participation remains a key pillar of our strategy, and awareness campaigns are being conducted across wards to encourage citizens to actively contribute towards maintaining cleanliness in their neighborhoods.
Q: What are the new initiatives being undertaken by the civic body as part of monsoon preparedness and to tackle issues such as waterlogging and uncovered drains?
A: The MCD has undertaken extensive monsoon preparedness measures across Delhi. The desilting of drains has been expedited well before the onset of the monsoon, and special monitoring teams have been deployed to oversee progress. Vulnerable waterlogging points have been identified, and preventive measures such as cleaning of drainage networks, installation of pumping equipment, and emergency response arrangements have been put in place. Additionally, a focused campaign is being carried out to cover open drains, repair damaged drain sections, and remove encroachments that obstruct water flow. Control rooms and rapid response teams are being activated to address complaints in real time during heavy rainfall. Our objective is to ensure smooth drainage and minimise inconvenience to residents during the monsoon season.
Q: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has alleged that drain-cleaning work remains incomplete in several parts of Delhi and has warned that the city could face waterlogging during this year’s monsoon season. What is your response to AAP’s allegation?
A: The MCD has been carrying out desilting and drain-cleaning work in a systematic and time -bound manner across all zones. Progress is being monitored regularly at multiple levels, and field inspections are being conducted to ensure quality and accountability. While Delhi is a large metropolitan city with an extensive drainage network, it would be incorrect to suggest that preparations have not been undertaken. Significant progress has been achieved, and work is continuing wherever required. Instead of politicising civic issues, all stakeholders should work collectively in the interest of Delhi’s residents. The MCD remains fully committed to ensuring effective monsoon preparedness and addressing any emerging challenges promptly.
Q: What is your take on civic governance issues such as drainage, infrastructure, and monsoon preparedness?
A: Civic governance is fundamentally about delivering essential services efficiently and improving the quality of life of citizens. Drainage management, infrastructure maintenance, sanitation, and monsoon preparedness are among the most critical responsibilities of any urban local body. Our approach is based on proactive planning , transparency , accountability, and public participation. We are focusing on strengthening civic infrastructure , improving coordination among departments , leveraging technology for monitoring, and ensuring timely execution of projects. The goal is not only to address immediate challenges but also to build a more resilient and sustainable urban ecosystem for Delhi.
Q: How is the MCD intensifying its efforts to control air pollution in New Delhi?
A: Air pollution remains a major concern, and the MCD is implementing several measures to address it . Mechanised road sweeping, regular water sprinkling on roads, strict action against construction and demolition dust violations, and enhanced monitoring of waste burning are being undertaken across the city. The Corporation is also increasing green cover through plantation drives, developing urban green spaces, and promoting environmental awareness among citizens. Enforcement teams are conducting inspections to ensure compliance with pollution-control norms. The MCD is working closely with other government agencies to support a coordinated strategy for improving Delhi’s air quality.
Q: Please elaborate on the desilting and maintenance work being undertaken by the MCD in different parts of Delhi.
A: Desilting of drains is one of the key components of the MCD’s monsoon preparedness strategy. Comprehensive desilting operations have been carried out across major drains, subsidiary drains, and internal drainage networks in all municipal zones. The work is being monitored through field inspections and regular progress reviews to ensure timely completion. Special emphasis has been placed on chronic waterlogging areas and vulnerable locations. Along with desilting, repair and maintenance of drains, removal of obstructions, strengthening of drain walls, and cleaning of inlets and outlets are being undertaken. The objective is to enhance drainage capacity, ensure uninterrupted water flow, and reduce the risk of flooding during the monsoon season. The MCD will continue maintenance activities throughout the monsoon period to ensure sustained effectiveness of the drainage system.