Delhi Government Unveils Comprehensive Plan to Overhaul Water and Sewer Infrastructure
In a significant move to address long-standing issues, the Delhi government has launched a time-bound plan to rectify problems plaguing the city's water supply and sewer network, as well as pollution in the Yamuna River. Water Minister Parvesh Verma announced this initiative in the assembly on Friday, emphasizing that it is based on the findings of a recent Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report tabled in the House.
CAG Report Highlights Systemic Lapses and Critical Issues
The CAG report, which covers the period when the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) governed Delhi, flagged several critical issues. It pointed to untreated sewage, high water losses, and poor planning, which Verma attributed to "years of systemic lapses." The report specifically noted over 1,000 colonies lacking proper sewer networks, several sewage treatment plants (STPs) failing to meet environmental norms, and the absence of effective monitoring of faecal contamination.
Non-revenue water losses were estimated at a staggering 45% to 53%, far above the global average of around 15%. Verma highlighted that nearly 30 lakh households still lack formal water connections, leading to illegal use and significant revenue losses. He added that while Delhi requires approximately 1,200 million gallons per day (MGD) of water, the current supply is only about 1,000 MGD.
Key Components of the Reform Plan
The government's reform plan includes multiple initiatives aimed at transforming Delhi's water and sewer systems:
- Elimination of the Septic Tanker Mafia: The plan introduces a Delhi Jal Board (DJB)-run system to replace illegal septic tanker operations. A dedicated digital portal will allow residents to request septic tank cleaning at a nominal charge, likely between Rs 20 and Rs 100. The Jal Board will deploy 150 to 200 tankers and ensure all septage is transported to STPs before discharge into drains.
- Expansion of Sewage Infrastructure: Tenders worth Rs 550 crore have been floated to provide sewer connections benefiting nearly 30 lakh people. While sewer lines have been laid in 1,265 of Delhi's 1,799 unauthorised colonies, most remain unconnected to STPs. The government aims to achieve 100% sewer connectivity within the next two years.
- Progress on Ground: Work is underway in more than 400 colonies, with over 180 km of sewer lines laid in the past year and replacement of more than 110 km of ageing pipelines. Nearly 20 lakh households are still outside the sewer network, a gap the government plans to bridge on priority.
- Upgradation of Sewage Treatment Plants: The city is constructing and upgrading 35 STPs, including a 35 MGD facility in Rohini. More than 20 to 25 tenders for new STPs are expected to be awarded soon. The government plans to scale up total sewage treatment capacity to 1,500 MGD.
Improving Water Availability and Promoting Sustainability
To enhance water availability, the government is adding 36 MGD through new borewells, with 203 already tendered, while 60 new tubewells have added 10 MGD in the past year. A new policy will allow households to install domestic borewells without prior No Objection Certificate (NOC), subject to a nominal fee.
In a push for sustainability, treated water from STPs will be reused for parks, horticulture, and construction. Pipelines have been tendered to supply treated water to 74 large parks. A policy to mandate the use of treated water in construction activities is being finalized.
Enhancing Efficiency and Transparency
Minister Verma also announced an e-KYC drive to update consumer data across DJB connections. This initiative aims to improve billing efficiency and plug leakages, ensuring better management of water resources and revenue collection.
This comprehensive plan represents a critical step towards addressing Delhi's water and sewer challenges, with a focus on sustainability, efficiency, and public health. The government's commitment to acting on the CAG report's findings underscores its dedication to improving governance and infrastructure for the city's residents.
