India, Aug. 11 -- In a major push to overhaul Delhi's ageing water infrastructure, the Centre has granted in-principle approval to a Rs.2,574-crore Asian Development Bank (ADB)-assisted Wazirabad Water Supply Improvement Project, while the Delhi government has also initiated the process to prepare a comprehensive 30-year Water Master Plan for the capital. The project, which had remained stalled since it was first conceptualised in 2013, is expected to improve water supply for millions of residents across North and North-West Delhi through new pipelines, digital monitoring systems and a long-term infrastructure roadmap. Also Read - Delhi Assembly passes bill to amend Fire Service Act to streamline fire safety regulations The Screening Committee of the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) has cleared the project, paving the way for implementation. Covering the entire water supply chain-from treatment and transmission to distribution networks and household connections, the initiative seeks to reduce water losses, improve efficiency and strengthen Delhi's overall water infrastructure. Delhi Water Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh said the project is designed to prepare the capital's water network for future demand. "For the people of Delhi, water is a daily necessity. Our responsibility is to make sure that the infrastructure behind every tap is strong, modern and reliable. The Wazirabad project is a major step in that direction. We are not planning only for today; we are building a water system that can serve Delhi for decades," he said. Also Read - Delhi CM, Speaker, ministers take out Tiranga Yatra in Assembly The project includes replacement of old and damaged pipelines, installation of new transmission and distribution lines, upgrading of the Wazirabad Water Treatment Plant, reservoirs and pumping stations, and improvement of household water connections. It also aims to reduce Non-Revenue Water (NRW), water lost due to leakages, physical losses and unauthorised consumption. A major feature of the project is the creation of eight interconnected Command Centres covering Wazirabad, Chandrawal, West, South-West, East, North-East, North-West and South Delhi. Using SCADA-based digital monitoring, officials will be able to track water flow, pressure, reservoir levels and pumping operations in real time. "The eight Command Centres will make Delhi's water network one connected system... Technology must ultimately translate into better service for citizens," the minister said. Also Read - CM distributes bicycles to 200 girl students under 'Vidya Vahini' The Wazirabad command area includes Burari, Model Town, Jahangirpuri, Punjabi Bagh, Pitampura, Shakur Basti, Peeragarhi, Sanjay Gandhi Transport Nagar, Avantika and adjoining residential and institutional areas, meaning the project is expected to strengthen water infrastructure for millions of people across North and North-West Delhi. The Delhi Jal Board has also placed proposals for a Rs.43.77-crore Project Management Consultancy and an Rs.88.63-crore consultancy to prepare a 30-year Water Master Plan for Delhi. "Delhi cannot plan its water infrastructure one project at a time. We need a clear roadmap for the next 30 years," Singh said, adding that the government aims to build "a modern and connected water system for the whole of Delhi."
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.