At least one diode, lower-level metal interconnect structures embedded within lower-level dielectric material layers, and a doped semiconductor material layer are formed over a semiconductor substrate. An electrically conductive path is provided between the at least one diode and the doped semiconductor material layer. An alternating stack of insulating layers and spacer material layers and memory stack structures extending therethrough are formed above the doped semiconductor material layer. A backside trench is formed through the alternating stack. The electrically conductive path is employed during plasma etch processes employed to form the memory stack structures and the backside trench to provide a discharge path for accumulated electrical charges. The electrically conductive path is subsequently disconnected by removing a conductive component underlying the backside trench. The spacer material layers can be replaced with electrically conductive layers employing the backside trench.