Red Fort zone gets pre-Independence Day clean-up as agencies tackle waterlogging

Heavy rain has left roads leading to the Red Fort waterlogged days before the Independence Day ceremony, triggering a citywide clean-up and repair drive around the venue.

The defence ministry has asked MCD, NDMC, PWD and the Delhi Jal Board to clear drains and sewers, clean public areas around the Red Fort and Chandni Chowk, and address damaged roads and manholes. The Jal Board has been assigned sewer and manhole cleaning, while MCD has been directed to remove stray dogs from the venue and designated routes and prevent monkeys from entering the area. Agencies are also to ensure food waste does not draw birds.

Waterlogging is a priority. Departments have been told to finish desilting, deploy heavy-duty pumps at vulnerable points and station pump operators at least two days before the event. Temporary toilets, ramps, staircases, lighting and night monitoring are also planned, alongside fire tenders, ambulances and traffic contingencies.

Buses are scheduled to begin operating from 4am on August 15, with feeder services planned for nearby Metro stations where needed. The preparations follow traffic curbs and tighter security around the Red Fort.