NDMC Implements Comprehensive Summer Water Strategy for New Delhi
In a proactive move to address the escalating demand for potable water during the upcoming summer months, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has officially rolled out a detailed summer action plan. This strategic initiative comes as the council anticipates a significant surge in water consumption, particularly once all under-construction government quarters are completed and occupied.
Revised Freshwater Requirements and Borewell Approvals
The NDMC has formally communicated with the Delhi Jal Board (DJB), submitting revised freshwater requirements to ensure adequate supply. While the council has sanctioned new water connections in numerous instances, it has also authorized the installation of additional borewells to bridge the anticipated supply-demand gap.
At the GPRA quarters (Type II–VI) located in Sarojini Nagar, the NDMC has projected a daily requirement of 4,295 kilolitres (KLD). Currently, the council has committed to supplying 1,500 KLD. To address the shortfall until DJB enhances its supply and to cater to future needs, the NDMC has approved the operation of 12 borewells at this site, as confirmed by NDMC Vice-Chairman Kuljeet Chahal.
Similarly, at the Common Central Secretariat on Rajendra Prasad Road, the estimated potable water need stands at 710 KLD. The council has sanctioned a supply of 650 KLD, with permission granted to install three borewells to meet the remaining demand.
Current Water Infrastructure and Distribution
Presently, the NDMC receives the majority of its potable water from the DJB through multiple tapping points connected to major water treatment plants, including Chandrawal, Wazirabad, Haiderpur, and Sonia Vihar. The total water availability across NDMC areas is approximately 127 million litres per day (MLD), comprising about 125 MLD supplied by DJB and an additional 2 MLD sourced from tube wells distributed throughout the NDMC region.
Chahal elaborated that the NDMC operates 24 underground reservoirs equipped with boosting stations to ensure efficient water distribution. Supply is typically provided during morning and evening hours. Furthermore, water from 10 existing borewells is utilized to compensate for any gaps in supply.
Enhanced Emergency Measures and Control Rooms
"We have revisited the operation of all these facilities in alignment with the summer action plan," stated Chahal. "The department has identified water-stressed areas and arranged for water supply via tankers from filling stations at Kali Bari Marg, Jor Bagh, and Vinay Marg."
Additionally, water pumps have been installed in five more water trolleys, each with a capacity of 5,000 litres, to facilitate rapid response during emergencies. The NDMC maintains a 24×7 water supply control room at Kali Bari Marg to manage distribution, address shortages, and handle complaints. "We are establishing another control room at RK Ashram, which will include a storage tank with a capacity of 10 lakh litres," Chahal added.
Groundwater Revival and Water ATM Expansion
The council also plans to recommence operations of 80 to 90 borewells near Old Fort, Mathura Road, and other sections of Lutyens' Delhi. This decision follows reports from the Central Ground Water Board indicating a rise in groundwater levels in these areas. "We have approached the National Green Tribunal to secure permissions for restarting these borewells," Chahal noted.
Currently, 37 water ATMs are operational across the NDMC area, with plans to install approximately 50 additional units to enhance accessibility and convenience for residents.
