Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta conducted a review meeting at the Delhi Jal Board headquarters on Wednesday to assess the departmental functioning and the action plan for Yamuna cleaning.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister provided several key directives regarding departmental functioning, water supply, and the sewerage system. A comprehensive review was also undertaken of tanker management, grievance redressal systems, and digital monitoring mechanisms. Delhi Cabinet Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh was also present on this occasion.
At the meeting, the chief minister highlighted that during the summer season, Delhi faces significant challenges concerning water supply. Along with this, fixing the sewer system and cleaning the Yamuna are interconnected issues. To address these challenges, a comprehensive review of water supply systems, tanker operations, and the sewer network was conducted at the DJB headquarters today. The GPS-based system implemented for tanker water supply was examined in detail, along with the real-time monitoring of tanker movements across the city at the Command and Control Center to ensure timely and transparent water distribution. The SCADA system’s role in monitoring water supply status throughout Delhi was also reviewed, focusing on areas requiring improvements.
Following the review, the Chief Minister instructed that third-party audits be conducted to ensure transparency in the functioning of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs). She stated that there would be no compromise on the quality and efficiency of STPs. Transparency and accountability will be ensured within the Delhi Jal Board’s operations.
The Chief Minister noted that many areas in Delhi still rely on decades-old water pipelines and sewer lines. Officials were directed to replace all old lines under phase-wise planning with modern technology.
Additionally, instructions were given to utilise the latest technologies in making new STPs to enhance the effectiveness and environmental friendliness of the water purification process.
The Chief Minister informed that sewer lines have been successfully laid in 1,226 unauthorized colonies in Delhi so far, while work is in progress in 154 unauthorised colonies. The government aims to connect all unauthorized colonies with the sewer network by 2028.
CM Gupta reiterated the Delhi Government’s complete commitment to Yamuna river cleaning and preservation. At the meeting, a detailed discussion was held on the implementation of a multi-faceted and phased action plan for Yamuna cleaning.
This includes drain treatment, sewerage network expansion, and establishing modern sewage treatment plants. The government has already approved the construction of 27 decentralized STPs. This Rs 3,140 crore project will include decentralized STPs, terminal SPS, and a 10 MGD STP at Delhi Gate, along with their maintenance. The government is ensuring that no untreated sewage enters the Yamuna. Once tendered, all these DSTPs will be completed within 18 months.
“We took stock of the reasons behind challenges faced by the city every summer: water supply, Yamuna River cleaning, and sewage management. All these are interconnected. Delhi still has 30-year-old sewer and water pipelines which are causing major problems. During the meeting, the functioning of GPS-fitted water tankers, water availability issues and providing sewerage infrastructure in all unauthorized colonies will be done,” CM Gupta said.
