Delhi Jal Board approves ₹17,970 crore sewer overhaul and water projects
Delhi Jal Board approves massive ₹17,970 crore plan for sewer maintenance and water supply upgrades to transform Delhi's infrastructure.
The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has announced a massive overhaul of the capital's water and sewerage infrastructure, approving a series of major projects worth thousands of crores to improve service delivery and accountability.
In a significant move to modernize the city's sanitation, the Board has granted in-principle approval for a ₹17,969.93 crore, 10-year programme aimed at transforming sewer maintenance across Delhi. This ambitious plan introduces a new 'One Zone, One Operator' model designed to end the era of reactive, complaint-driven repairs.
A New Era for Sewer Maintenance
Under the proposed zoning model, Delhi will be divided into eight distinct zones. Each zone will have a single operator held responsible for the entire sewerage network within that area, including sewer lines, manholes, pumping stations, and the resolution of citizen complaints. This shift aims to move the city from a reactive system to one focused on planned preventive maintenance.
Key features of the new sewerage model include:
- Technological Monitoring: Use of geo-tagged inspections and real-time tracking through a central command centre.
- Mechanical Cleaning: A commitment to 100% mechanical and robotic sewer cleaning to ensure safety and efficiency.
- Performance-Linked Payments: Operator payments will be tied directly to how quickly they resolve complaints and their success in preventing sewer overflows.
Delhi Water Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh emphasized that the reform is centered on accountability. “For a Delhi resident, it should not matter which officer, division, or contractor is responsible for a sewer. If there is a problem, the system should know about it, someone should be responsible for fixing it, and the work should be tracked till it is completed,” the Minister stated.
Currently, the DJB manages a vast network consisting of 11,212 km of sewer lines, 6.68 lakh manholes, and 145 pumping stations spanning 68 Assembly Constituencies.
Transforming Water Supply in South Delhi
Beyond sewerage, the Board has approved a ₹6,044.05 crore project dedicated to the comprehensive transformation of South Delhi’s water supply infrastructure. This massive undertaking will cover 247 sq km, involving 12 Assembly Constituencies and serving over 2.44 lakh domestic consumers.
To modernize the network, the project will introduce high-tech solutions such as:
- Smart meters and bulk flow meters.
- Chlorine and pressure sensors for real-time monitoring.
- Advanced water auditing to reduce non-revenue water to below 15%.
The goal is to ensure a reliable, continuous, and contamination-free water supply. Minister Singh noted that the focus is not just on laying pipes but on understanding water flow, loss, and quality through technology to increase efficiency.
Yamuna Rejuvenation and Wazirabad Upgrades
To support the rejuvenation of the Yamuna River, the Board has authorized tenders for 13 new Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) with a combined capacity of 328 MGD. This initiative, estimated at ₹7,373 crore and funded under NMCG, aims to stop untreated sewage from entering the river's drains.
Additionally, the long-awaited Wazirabad Water Supply Project is gaining momentum with two major approvals:
- ₹1,214.58 crore package: Includes a new 80 MGD water treatment plant, automated raw-water intake, and 15 years of operation and maintenance.
- ₹3,505 crore ADB loan: Approved for an additional 60 MGD plant, transmission upgrades, SCADA systems, and distribution improvements.