Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia announced a slew of measures to augment uninterrupted water supply in the national Capital.

In his Budget speech, Sisodia proposed construction of reservoirs on Yamuna flood plains to store flood water to meet the increasing demand for water in Delhi.

Sisodia announced an allocation of Rs2,370 crore in 2019-20 for implementation of schemes, programmes and projects of Delhi Jal Board and Rs467 crore for a 20 KL free lifeline water subsidy scheme.

He also proposed an outlay of Rs215 crore for 2019-20 for implementation of various schemes and projects of the Irrigation and Flood Control Department.

“For improving ground water level and water sustainability in national Capital construction of reservoir in Palla Yamuna Floodplain for storage of flood water in 1,000 acre of area and rejuvenation of irrigation minors, canals, abandoned for storage and harvesting of Flood water are proposed to be implemented,” he said.

Later, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also explained how Delhi would be benefited if this initiative came into being. “Haryana and Delhi have water dispute over only 125 to 150 cusec water. During rains 6 lakh cusec water is released by Haryana and Delhi also releases it, he said, adding that under new scheme, we will create lakes in Yamuna floodplains and this will be stored there. It is an ambitious project and if this happens we will be self sufficient,”.

Sisodia said consultants are being appointed for these projects.  Sisodia also proposed two new schemes —”Rejuvenation of Drains” with an outlay of Rs100 crore for improving the ground water and ‘rejuvenation or preservation and maintenance of water bodies” with outlay of Rs25 crore.

DJB in a pilot project, has taken up rejuvenation of 159 existing water bodies and creation of five new water bodies, he said.

In his budget speech, Sisodia said the Government has made a plan to make Delhi self-reliant for water.

Delhi is getting 900 MGD water from the Ganga, Yamuna and ground water, whereas, the total requirement is 1,125 MGD.

“Delhi Government has made a plan in which availability of water supply in Delhi will be more than its demand in next few years,” Sisodia said.