The Delhi government has announced that a major new water treatment plant at Chandrawal is expected to become operational later this year, marking a significant step in addressing the city's water supply challenges. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta revealed this development during a review meeting of the Delhi Jal Board, aimed at assessing summer preparedness and enhancing water infrastructure across the capital.
Project Details and Historical Context
Constructed at a cost of Rs 599 crore, the Chandrawal water treatment plant boasts a capacity of 105 million gallons per day (MGD). Initially approved in 2012, the project faced substantial delays over the years due to repeated tender cancellations, funding constraints, and what the current administration describes as negligence by the previous government. These hurdles led to a sharp escalation in costs, complicating the timeline for completion.
However, under the leadership of CM Rekha Gupta, the government has provided additional budgetary support and resolved technical bottlenecks to fast-track the construction. This proactive approach has been crucial in reviving the project and ensuring it meets its operational deadline.
Impact on Delhi's Water Supply
Once commissioned, the plant is projected to supply treated water to approximately 92 square kilometers, which accounts for about 6.2% of Delhi's total area. More importantly, it is expected to benefit nearly 11% of the city's population, providing a reliable and improved water source to numerous neighborhoods.
Key areas set to receive enhanced water supply include Model Town, Sadar Bazaar, Chandni Chowk, Matiya Mahal, Ballimaran, Karol Bagh, Patel Nagar, Rajendra Nagar, and R K Puram assembly constituencies. This expansion aims to alleviate water scarcity and improve the quality of life for residents in these regions.
Infrastructure Upgrades and Financial Allocations
In addition to the treatment plant, the Delhi Jal Board is implementing a comprehensive Rs 1,331-crore programme to upgrade water distribution pipelines. This initiative will cover the West, East, and Central Chandrawal zones, focusing on network strengthening, installation of meters, reduction of illegal connections, and establishment of grievance redressal centres.
The primary goal of these upgrades is to reduce non-revenue water from the current levels of 30-45%, thereby minimizing losses and ensuring more water reaches consumers. CM Gupta emphasized that the completion of the Chandrawal plant will help reduce leakage, improve water quality, and ensure a more reliable supply, ultimately advancing the objective of round-the-clock water availability in Delhi.
Union Budget and Collaborative Efforts
During a press conference, CM Rekha Gupta highlighted the allocation of Rs 1,348 crore to Delhi in the Union Budget, earmarked for infrastructure, water, and other basic facilities. She underscored the importance of collaborative efforts between the Centre and the state, noting that sectors such as roads, water, transport, health, employment, and security benefit most effectively from such cooperation.
Gupta stated that there is continuous dialogue on funds and projects, with the Centre ensuring that Delhi's interests receive special attention in the Union Budget. This partnership, she added, reflects the strength of cooperative governance and is essential for driving sustainable development in the capital.
The Chandrawal water treatment plant represents a critical milestone in Delhi's efforts to enhance its water infrastructure. With its operational launch anticipated this year, it promises to deliver significant improvements in water supply reliability and quality for a substantial portion of the city's residents, supported by strategic financial allocations and intergovernmental collaboration.
