The Delhi Government on Tuesday announced an ambitious water management reform programme aimed at ensuring fair distribution, reducing wastage, and modernising the city's ageing infrastructure. The initiative comes amid rising water demand and mounting pressure on limited resources.
Key Initiatives Unveiled
Water Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh stated that the government is undertaking one of the most comprehensive overhauls of Delhi’s water supply system in decades, focusing on equitable access, conservation, and long-term water security. The move follows increased water stress during the summer season.
Delhi currently requires nearly 1,250 million gallons per day (MGD) of water, while a prolonged dry spell in the Yamuna has reduced water production by around 100 MGD. The minister emphasised that the city's water resources are finite and the population is growing rapidly, necessitating efficient management of every drop.
Water Rationalisation Project
A key component of the reform package is the proposed Water Rationalisation Project, which will assess population density, demand patterns, and existing infrastructure to ensure more balanced distribution across the city. The minister noted that every summer, water-related complaints are concentrated in 12 to 13 Assembly constituencies due to long-standing supply imbalances.
Pipeline Replacement and Leakage Reduction
The government will prioritise replacement of old pipelines. Of Delhi’s 16,634-km water distribution network, 5,500 km of connections are over 30 years old, leading to leakages and water losses. The minister said that work that should have been done 10 or 20 years ago is now being taken up on priority, including replacing old pipelines, reducing leakages, modernising distribution systems, and strengthening water infrastructure.
Dual Piping System
The Delhi Jal Board is simultaneously working to reduce Non-Revenue Water (NRW) and exploring the conversion of the DSB Canal into a pipeline-based system to curb transmission losses. The government also plans to introduce a Dual Piping System, under which treated recycled water will be supplied separately for non-drinking purposes such as landscaping, construction, and toilet flushing. The minister stressed that Delhi cannot afford to flush drinking water down the toilet, and by using highly treated recycled water for such activities, millions of litres of freshwater can be saved daily.
This comprehensive reform drive aims to make Delhi water secure for decades to come, with a focus on sustainable urban water management.
