DJB steps to augment water supply

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI, APRIL 1. Conceding the task of providing water supply and sewerage services to the Capital's residents was becoming more complex, the Delhi Jal Board Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Pradeep Mehra, said the DJB has taken a number of steps for augmentation of resources, rationalisation of distribution network and streamlining of work-awards and contracts.

At a press conference over the week end, after presenting the budget before the DJB Board, Mr. Mehra said several measures have been taken to meet the shortfall of 170 MGD (million gallon per day). To rationalise the distribution system and improve water pressure, the DJB has taken up construction of underground reservoirs and booster stations. Eighteen have already been commissioned and another five was in progress.

With trans-Yamuna in East Delhi being the major area of concern, the DJB has proposed to build underground reservoirs and booster stations at 12 places, he said.

Giving details of the budget, Mr. Mehra said the plan allocation has been increased from Rs. 447.9 crores from the current financial year to Rs. 552 crores for 2001-2002. The estimates for the next year shows a deficit of Rs. 58.25 crores, which shows some decline from Rs. 69.23 crore in the last year.

As regards the sewage treatment plant, Mr. Mehra said out of 17 new STPs under various stages of completion about a dozen have already been completed and the rest are likely to be completed by September. By September 2002 the total sewage treatment capacity is likely to increase to 512.4 MGD as against 284 in 1995.

Besides, work for rehabilitation of trunk sewer lines was progressing. The entire 91 km of sewer lines to be rehabilitated would be completed by December 2003 at an estimated cost of Rs 155 crore. Replacement of old water pipelines was also in progress.

As regards the welfare schemes, the Board has started a Medical Reimbursement Scheme for retired employees. It has also amended the existing scheme of group insurance for employees, Mr. Mehra said.

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